ELKINS, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Monongahela National Forest and West Virginia Division of Natural Resources have renewed a long-standing partnership to conserve and manage fish, wildlife, habitat and other natural resources across national forest lands and the broader landscapes of West Virginia.
A recently updated memorandum of understanding formalizes a collaborative relationship between the two agencies that has existed for more than 60 years. The agreement, which had not received a major update since the 1980s, establishes a framework for continued cooperation on wildlife and fisheries management, threatened and endangered species, habitat restoration and other shared natural resource priorities.
“For more than six decades, the Forest Service and West Virginia Division of Natural Resources have worked side by side to conserve the natural resources that make West Virginia so special,” said Cindy Sandeno, Forest Supervisor for the Monongahela National Forest. “Renewing this agreement honors our long-standing partnership, while giving us a strong framework for tackling the conservation challenges and opportunities ahead of us.”
Through decades of cooperation, the Monongahela National Forest and WVDNR have combined their respective expertise, resources and authorities to accomplish conservation work across West Virginia. Under the updated agreement, the agencies will continue coordinating on fish and wildlife habitat management; threatened, endangered and sensitive species management; and annual work planning.
“Our partnership with the Monongahela National Forest has been an important part of wildlife and fisheries conservation in West Virginia for generations,” said Paul Johansen, Chief of Wildlife for the WVDNR. “This updated agreement allows us to build on that successful history, share expertise, and work together to support the fish and wildlife resources that are so important to West Virginians.”
“Neither agency can accomplish this work alone,” Sandeno said. “Our forests, streams and wildlife don’t recognize administrative boundaries, and neither can we. By working collaboratively, we can accomplish more for West Virginia’s natural resources and the communities that depend on them.”
