Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro , Director

News Release : October 26, 2005

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3380 hmurphy@dnr.state.wv.us

Contact: Ken Caplinger , Parks and Recreation Section (304) 558-2764 parks@westvirginia.com

Snowstorm Causes Temporary Closure to

Three State Parks in North Central West Virginia

Tygart Lake State Park in Taylor County, Valley Falls State Park in Marion Count y and Coopers Rock State Forest in Monongalia/Preston County have been temporarily closed after an early morning snowstorm on October 25, according to Ken Caplinger, deputy chief for the Parks and Recreation Section of the Division of Natural Resources.

“The storm left Tygart Lake and Valley Falls state parks and Coopers Rock State Forest without power and telephone services,” Caplinger says. “Roads in these areas are also closed due to downed trees.”

These areas will be closed indefinitely until access to the parks and services are restored. Individuals with reservations at Tygart Lake State Park will be contacted.

For more information about the reopening of these facilities, please visit www.wvstateparks.com.

**DNR**