West Virginia State Parks
VIPP Program - Very Important Parks Person

If you frequent state parks…
If you appreciate the beauty and natural wonder found at state parks and forests…
If you participate and attend special events, activities and programs…
You are already a Very Important Parks Person.
And now’s the time to make it official!

How to join the growing VIPP list:

• Complete a simple registration form available in the printed VIPP brochure.
• Brochures are available state parks and state forests, and the central office in South Charleston, WV.
• To have a brochure/form mailed to you, please call 304-558-2764 and ask for a VIPP brochure.
• After completing and forwarding the registration form via mail, you’ll receive a VIPP information packet via USPS mail. The visitation log card is mailed after we receive the completed enrollment form.

To complete VIPP status participants must:

1. Visit fifteen mandatory parks and forests and five additional areas from the list of elective parks and forests printed on the initial participation card issued.
2. When visiting the areas, participants must stop at the park office, headquarters or front desk and have your card stamped and dated by park personnel. On those areas that do not operate a 24-hour desk or there is no one available to stamp your visitation card, you will find a modified birdhouse with a stamp specific to that area. We operate under the merit system at these areas and accept your date written by the stamp you place on the card.
3. The program is not a race, nor are there any expectations of completion in a given amount of time. The expectation is that completed cards submitted are truthful and that the individual actually visited the areas indicated.
4. The program is open to any person regardless of their race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, age, disability, or other legally recognized protected status.
5. Once a participant has personally completed the required visits, sign the back of the card and mail it into the Parks and Recreation office.

   West Virginia State Parks
   Attn: VIPP Program
   324 4th Avenue
   South Charleston, WV 25303

6. The reward for completing the initial VIPP visitation requirement is a $25 gift card. This card can be used at an WV State Park or Forest to purchase gift items, accommodation payments, golf play or other fee based services.  An embroidered VIPP patch accompanies the gift card.  The rewards are mailed after the completed card is received the information is logged. The gift card and VIPP patch are issued only once. Replacement of lost  or stolen cards cannot be accommodated.
7. There is no limit to the number of times you may complete the program.
8. For each additional completion, a star is awarded. Participants become a Star VIPP upon the second completion, upon the third, a Two Star VIPP, etc.
9. Star VIPPers receive a VIPP Star Card. Star VIPP cards are mailed after completion of the initial VIPP card. The practice of having multiple cards stamped for one individual or having multiple cards stamped for other individuals who are not present at the park or forest is strongly discouraged. The expectation is to receive truthful information regarding visits to areas.
10. The coordinator for the VIPP program is Candy Payne. She is in the office on an intermittent schedule.
    
    Please email your completed cards, to dnr.vipp@wv.gov. The phone number is (304) 558-2764. If you reach voice mail, please leave a message with your name and phone number so she may return your call.
    
    Candy makes every attempt to contact VIPPers and to complete requests as soon as possible.  Gift Cards are mailed after the initial card or star cards are deemed eligible and as available.
11. VIPP cards issued are logged prior to mailing and have a start date indicated. A database is maintained to track rewards, stars, cards and license plates issued.
12. There is no charge to register in the VIPP program

VIPP ENROLLMENT

Email dnr.vipp@wv.gov for a lifetime of state park fun as a VIPP and to ask for a VIPP brochure. If you're wanting only the registration form click here to print that information.  You may complete the form, scan and forward the information via email as an alternative to a postal mailing.  The email address is dnr.vipp@wv.gov
Due to increased  gift card sales for holiday giving and customer assistance requiring longer conversations regarding gift cards, responding to VIPP (mail or requests) is generally postponed until January.  Thank you for your understanding in our delay.

ANNUAL PICNIC

The annual VIPP Picnic is typically scheduled in August or September. Registration information is posted as plans are finalized.  Lodge room, cabin and campsite reservations is a decision made by attendees.  Preregistration for the picnic is required and is fee based