The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) announced it will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 1 to celebrate the opening of a new elk viewing platform and education center at the Tomblin Wildlife Management Area in Holden.
The event will start at 11 a.m., and members of the media and public are invited to attend. Parking will be available.
“We are excited to finally open this viewing platform and provide a new way to learn about West Virginia’s growing elk herd and experience our state’s natural beauty,” said WVDNR Director Brett McMillion. “I want to thank everyone who helped bring this project to life. We believe this facility will attract and benefit wildlife enthusiasts, researchers and tourists alike, contribute significantly to the local economy and support our ongoing elk management efforts.”
The viewing platform is located atop a natural overlook at the Tomblin WMA, which has been the site of the WVDNR’s Elk Restoration Project since 2016, when the agency released 24 elk acquired from the Land Between the Lakes in Kentucky. Since then, the WVDNR has introduced 95 elk (53 from Kentucky and 42 from Arizona). Today, the herd is estimated to have about 130 elk.
Visitors will be able to see sweeping views of the elk management area from an elevated platform. A level viewing area is also accessible for those with limited mobility. The education center, which is still being furnished, will have conference rooms, offices and other amenities for visitors, volunteers, researchers and staff, including 3,300 square feet of space designed to meet the unique needs of managing and supporting West Virginia’s growing elk herd.
The March-Westin Company, Inc., of Morgantown constructed the $6.7 million facility, which was funded with Abandoned Mine Lands grants, state money and hunting and fishing license funds.
Elk tour tickets selling out
The WVDNR also announced that tickets for elk management tours in October are almost sold out. These four-hour guided tours start and end at Chief Logan Lodge and give visitors a chance to explore scenic areas of Logan County and learn about the state’s elk restoration program. Tickets are $30 each, and a boxed breakfast or lunch can be added for $15. For tour availability, booking details and more information, visit WVdnr.gov/elk.
