Jones Appointed State Forester And Director

Jeremy Jones has been named state forester and director of the West Virginia Division of Forestry.

Gov. Jim Justice announced Monday that he had appointed Jones to the position. He will assume his duties immediately.

“I just wish him the very, very, very best, and I know he’ll do a terrific job,” Justice said during a weekly press briefing. “And Jeremy, just take over and do your thing. You know, you’ve already done all kinds of greatness in West Virginia, just keep on doing it.”

West Virginia’s Division of Forestry Director Tom Cover retired this year and is being replaced by Jones, a West Virginia native and graduate of West Virginia University.

Jones also has more than 20 years of experience with the West Virginia Division of Forestry, most recently serving as assistant state forester/fire for the division.

“I am honored to continue to serve the West Virginia Division of Forestry through this new role and thank Gov. Justice for this opportunity,” Jones said. “I am excited to lead the agency into the future.”

H. Tony Evans has been the Acting Director since Cover’s retirement. He now becomes the Deputy State Forester.