CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WVDN) — Gov. Jim Justice announced the launch of the West Virginia Ruffed Grouse and Wildlife Restoration Program, a groundbreaking initiative to enhance wildlife habitats through the strategic planting of soft mast-producing trees and shrubs on recently harvested private timberlands.
This innovative program is designed to provide vital food sources for a variety of wildlife species, including ruffed grouse, white-tailed deer and songbirds, while also benefiting landowners and local economies. It will be administered through a cooperative effort led by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and West Virginia Division of Forestry.
“We’ve been working for quite some time to launch this program, and let me tell you, I am extremely excited to announce its launch,” Gov. Justice said. “As a lifelong hunter and angler, I’m so proud of the work my administration has done to invest in West Virginia and promote our state’s world-class natural resources. The strides made in this program will greatly boost our wildlife, from grouse to deer and on and on, while also becoming a huge economic driver. This program is the real deal, and I cannot wait to see how it benefits landowners, our wildlife, and our economy.”…