BEAVER, WV (LOOTPRESS) – This afternoon at Little Beaver State Park in Raleigh County, Governor Patrick Morrisey announced the designation of “Mountaineer Mile Trails” in state parks across the state.
Morrisey said this is part of his initiative to encourage West Virginians to improve and maintain their personal health.
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The governor has started walking a mile each day following his March 28 event in Martinsburg with the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. where the governor signed legislation banning certain dyes and additives from food and drinks sold in West Virginia.
At the announcement event, Morrisey highlighted how West Virginia struggles with diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
“This is the beginning of a longer effort that we have to help West Virginians improve their public health,” Morrisey said. “We can make improvements on [these diseases] in part by the way we conduct ourselves every single day.”
Morrisey announced that each state park with hiking trails will have one designated “Mountaineer Mile Trail,” which would result in 32 designated trails across the state.
Morrisey says he’s going to set the example for fellow West Virginians.
“I could use the opportunity to shed a few pounds as well, so I’m going to try and lead by example,” Morrisey said. “I know it’s not easy, I promise you that.”
“I’m really a believer that if this ‘Mountaineer Mile’ can infect every corner of West Virginia, I think it’s going to lead to some incredible outcomes for our state.”
The first trail was designated at Wednesday’s event with the Lake Front Loop trail at Little Beaver State Park becoming the first.
Morrisey was joined by local and state leaders along with NFL Super Bowl champion and Raleigh County native Doug Legursky.
Following the event, Morrisey, joined by those in attendance went to hike the Lake Front Loop trail to kick off the initiative.
“Mountaineer Mile” trail signs will soon be placed at each designated trail, according to Morrisey.
