Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : January 12, 2006

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3380 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

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

11th Annual State Parks Day at the Capitol

January 18, 2006 , 10 a.m to 2 p.m.

Discover Why West Virginia State Parks Are Among the Best in the Nation

  Legislators, the public and news media are invited to attend the 11th annual State Parks Day at the Capitol January 18, 2006 , to discover why West Virginia 's state parks, forests and wildlife management areas are among the best in the nation. This event is scheduled at the Capitol Rotunda from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.  

  This year's event features artwork from the 2005 History is Alive art contest, state park naturalists, the Very Important Parks Person (VIPP) program and a photography showcase of WV State Park facilities and the people associated with their maintenance and popularity.

  The state park system in West Virginia is an important part of the state's tourism industry and economy. With more than 78,000 acres of state park lands and more than 120,000 acres of state forest and wildlife management recreation areas as part of its park system, state parks preserve a small piece of WV's historical and scenic wonders for today's residents and generations to come.

  “The diversity of the state park system allows the public to enjoy many different opportunities, all close to home,” says Division of Natural Resources Director Frank Jezioro. “ West Virginia has a park system dedicated to preserving and showcasing its scenic beauty while providing recreational opportunities to the citizens of the state and its visitors. The park system has an economic impact of approximately $127 million to the state's economy and welcomes more than 7.6 million visitors a year. It enhances quality of life and is one of the cornerstones of the states burgeoning tourism industry. “

  For more information about West Virginia State Parks, call (304) 558-2764 or 1-800-CALL WVA or visit the parks' Web site at www.wvstateparks.com .

**DNR**