SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold six public meetings with anglers and the general public to discuss its draft Trout Management Plan.

“We are looking for comments on our plan, which is designed to help develop future management and stocking protocols,” said DNR Director Stephen S. McDaniel.

The plan also will provide broad guidance on policies for addressing complex management challenges and issues related to producing desirable trout fishing experiences for anglers, according to McDaniel.

“The final plan is intended to provide broad guidance for the West Virginia Natural Resources Commission and DNR staff for managing trout waters,” said McDaniel. “The plan will inform, but not replace, the existing process for setting seasons and regulations.”

The public meetings will be held across the state on the following dates:

Sept. 30: 6-8 p.m., Lubeck Fire Department
1340 Harris Highway, Parkersburg

Oct. 1: 6-8 p.m., Forks of Coal State Nature Area
50 Rocky Branch Road, Alum Creek

Oct. 2: 6-8 p.m., Raleigh County Convention Center
200 Armory Drive, Room C, Beckley

Oct. 7: 6-8 p.m., West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
Elkins Operations Center, 738 Ward Road, Elkins

Oct. 8: 7-9 p.m., West Virginia University
334 Percival Hall, Morgantown

Oct. 9: 6-8 p.m., James Rumsey Technical Institute
3274 Hedgesville Road, Martinsburg

About the draft Trout Management Plan

The plan, which will include values for managing both stocked and wild trout, will result from the work of DNR, a Stakeholder Advisory Committee (citizen volunteers who represent a cross section of public interests), a Technical Advisory Committee and input from anglers and the general public.

The plan also will include management goals that reflect stakeholder values, specific objectives designed to attain each goal, as well as potential and general strategies for attaining objectives.

For more information, please contact Jim Hedrick at 304-637-0245, jim.d.hedrick@wv.gov, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, Elkins Operations Center, 738 Ward Road, P.O. Box 67, Elkins, WV 26241.

Related social media hashtags: #wvdnr #wvfish