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Officials say spring and early summer are periods of increased bear activity as bears emerge from winter dens, search for food, and move through the habitat with cubs.
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Bear activity increasing in national parks in W.Va. as officials urge visitors be ‘Bear Aware’

Wildlife / Conservancy

FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — As bear activity increases across national parks and public lands in West Virginia this spring and summer, state and federal wildlife officials are urging visitors to take extra precautions while hiking, camping, and exploring the Mountain State’s forests. The National Park Service recently issued a nationwide reminder encouraging visitors to practice bear ...

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Inspired by historian Cody Straley, publisher David Sibray visits a small Mail Pouch barn on US-119 off the Elk River near Blue Creek.

West Virginia originals, historic Mail Pouch barns added to national register

Landmarks / Museums

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Authentically West Virginian, Mail Pouch barns are gaining national attention. Now, three roadside barns in West Virginia, painted with the slogan “Chew Mail Pouch,” have been added to the National Register of Historic Places. The See Barn in Randolph County, the Wilson Barn in Mason County, and the Fulk-Parsons_Hutchison Barn in Jackson County are among … Read more

The Frontier-to-Statehood Preservation Fund will provide up to 10 grants of as much as $100,000 each for the rehabilitation of certified historic structures dating to 1871 or earlier.

Grants of up to $100,000 available in W.Va. for pre-1872 preservation projects

Economic Development

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — As part of the nation’s 250th-anniversary commemoration, officials at the Preservation Alliance of West Virginia have announced a new grant program to support the preservation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings tied to the state’s early history. The Frontier-to-Statehood Preservation Fund, funded through the National Park Service’s Paul Bruhn Historic Revitalization Grant … Read more

One of the largest networks on the East Coast, the routes activate thousands of miles of gravel roads across the Mon Forest for visitors and communities. (Photo: Getty Images)

Gravel, bikepacking network connects towns across Monongahela National Forest region

Biking

MARLINTON, W.Va. — A new gravel and bikepacking network connecting 12 towns across the Monongahela National Forest region, colloquially called “the Mon,” has launched, offering more than 60 curated cycling routes across eight West Virginia counties. The network, launched by the Mon Forest Towns Partnership as “Mon Forest Gravel & Bikepacking,” includes routes ranging from … Read more

"Ascend Heroes" will attract veterans with financial incentives, providing opportunities for them to live and work in West Virginia.

West Virginia launches “Ascend Heroes” initiative to attract veterans

Economic Development

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – West Virginia has launched an initiative to attract veterans to the state. According to state officials, “Ascend Heroes” will attract veterans with financial incentives, providing opportunities for them to live and work in the state. Created in partnership with the state government, the Wing-2-Wing Foundation, and West Virginia University, the Ascend West … Read more