The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) today announced that the next quarterly meeting of the Natural Resources Commission will be held Thursday, July 24 at 5 p.m. in a new format designed to increase public access and participation.

For the first time, the meeting will be simulcast from a physical location in each of the WVDNR’s six districts, where the local commissioner and WVDNR staff will host attendees and gather public input. For those who want to watch remotely, the meeting will also be available in a view-only livestream at youtube.com/@WVcommerce/streams.

“This new meeting format reflects our commitment to make it easier for West Virginians to engage with us on important decisions related to hunting, fishing and wildlife conservation,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “By expanding access through regional meeting sites and livestreaming, we hope to hear from more voices across the state.”

Members of the public who want to address the commission must attend one of the following in-person locations:

• District 1 – 1110 Railroad St, Farmington, WV 26571
• District 2 – 1 Depot Street, Romney, WV 26571
• District 3 – 738 Ward Road, Elkins, WV 26241
• District 4 – 2006 Robert C Byrd Drive, Beckley, WV 25801
• District 5 – 112 California Avenue, Charleston, WV 25305
• District 6 – 76 Conservation Way, Parkersburg, WV 26104

Those who plan to attend the meeting in person at the District 4 office should allow extra travel time to avoid delays due to ongoing road construction along Robert C. Byrd Drive.

Meeting Agenda

The meeting will follow a standard agenda that includes time for public comments, regulatory reviews and program updates. Agenda items are:

1. Introductions
2. Review, correct and approve the minutes of the May 4, 2025, meeting of the Natural Resources Commission
3. Public comments
4. Overview of the Ruffed Grouse Management Program
5. Review and approve by vote the 2026-2027 Small Game and Furbearer Hunting and Trapping Regulations
6. Review and approve by vote the 2026 Fishing Regulations
7. Discussion of the 2025 fourth quarterly meeting of the Natural Resources Commission
   1. Commissioner recommendations for next meeting agenda
   2. Tentative date and location(s) for next meeting
8. Adjourn

The West Virginia Natural Resources Commission serves as an advisory body to the WVDNR on issues related to conserving the state’s natural resources and protecting fish and game species, which includes establishing hunting and fishing regulations, season dates and limits. For more information, visit WVdnr.gov/natural-resources-commission.