Associated Press Published

Gov. Tomblin Names New W.Va. Natural Resources Director

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Governor Earl Ray Tomblin has named Robert A. Fala as director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

Fala is replacing Frank Jezioro who retired Wednesday after service as the DNR’s director since 2005.

Over the past three years, Fala served as a wildlife biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and was appointed to serve on the DNR’s Natural Resource Commission in August.

The Pennsylvania State University graduate also worked as a coal land reclamation and wildlife biologist for the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection.

During Jezioro’s tenure, the DNR has created new wildlife management areas and the senior lifetime hunting and fishing license. He also oversaw major renovations to Canaan Valley Resort State Park.

Bob Fala lives near Chapmanville in Logan County. He is 63.

He said he wants to help direct the agency’s reintroduction of elk into southwestern West Virginia.