Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : July 5, 2007

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3381 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov
Contact: Ken Caplinger, Parks and Recreation Section (304) 558-2764 parks@wvdnr.gov

DNR Parks Section Files Legislative Rules for Review

The Parks and Recreation Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has filed legislative rule changes with the Secretary of State’s office, according to DNR Director Frank Jezioro.

The proposed rule changes will be open for review and comment until noon on July 27, 2007. The availability of the proposed rule changes will be advertised in the State Register. In addition, the proposed rule changes will be available for review at the DNR Parks and Recreation Section Central Office in Charleston. Individuals interested in reviewing the proposed rule changes should contact this office at 558-2764.

Written comments may be submitted to Kenneth K. Caplinger, Acting Chief, Parks and Recreation Section, Division of Natural Resources, Building 3, Room 714, Capitol Complex, 1900 Kanawha Boulevard East, Charleston, WV 25305-0662.

Rules for conditions upon which oil and gas operators may access state forests.

These rules govern access to all state forests by operators seeking to drill for and produce oil and gas. Current law does not sufficiently protect publicly owned state forests from environmental damage as a result of extensive oil and gas operations which are currently occurring in several state forests. These rules are designed to protect the public interest by requiring higher standards be adhered to on public land.

**DNR**