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West Virginia Conservation Projects

	STUDYING WOODCOCK HABITAT IN WEST VIRGINIA For the past 20 years, West Virginia’s woodcock population has been on a steady downward trend. A new conservation effort to inventory available woodcock habitat was completed, with support from Wildlife Forever. “I believe that within a relatively short time this species will become alarmingly low in numbers,” said David Samuel of West Virginia University, who was the principal investigator of the study. Wildlife Forever funds were used to take aerial photographs of woodcock habitat to be compared with a 1970s inventory.
	WEST VIRGINIA WILD TROUT FISHERY SAVED Recognized by West Virginia as one of the few streams in the state with naturally reproducing wild native rainbow trout and native brook trout, Seneca Creek has a new lease on life thanks to support from Wildlife Forever. The stream is located near Spruce Knob and is a popular fishing destination in the Monongahela National Forest. An old logging road converted to a hiking trail gave access to much of the stream. The trail was eroding and degrading the water quality and fish habitat in Seneca Creek. The habitat improvement project involved removing old culverts, improving drainage, relocating sections of the hiking trail and reseeding disturbed areas.
	NO TILL DRILL IMPROVING HABITAT ACROSS WEST VIRGINIA Native warm season grasses are extremely valuable as winter cover for wildlife. These heavy stemmed grasses typically remain standing during periods of heavy snow, unlike the cool season varieties. This is one reason why Wildlife Forever supported the purchase of a no-till drill for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. In addition to being able to plant warm season grasses, the eight row drill is adapted for the planting of legumes and small grains and has proven valuable in preparing food plots. The no-till drill has been used on wildlife management areas throughout the state. The establishment of these grasses is being used as demonstration areas for those interested in improving forage and cover on private lands. Your support made this valuable wildlife habitat tool possible.