Natural Resources Commission Pilots Simulcast Meeting Format To Boost Public Access

The next meeting of the Natural Resources Commission — the advisory body for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) — will be simulcast in locations across West Virginia to help members of the public attend and participate remotely.

The Natural Resources Commission advises the WVDNR on matters related to hunting, fishing and wildlife conservation, according to the organization’s webpage. The commission meets four times a year to review policies, offer guidance on current programs and take public comments.

The board is made up of seven members, including one at-large member and six members representing different districts of the state.

The next commission meeting is Thursday, July 24 at 5 p.m. Each local commissioner will attend the meeting from a site within their district, and the meeting will be held virtually and simulcast between the locations. The meeting will also be livestreamed through the West Virginia Department of Commerce’s YouTube page.

The WVDNR is making the meeting accessible remotely to strengthen “public access and participation,” according to a July 10 press release. WVDNR staff will also facilitate public input from attendees.

During this quarter’s meeting, the commission is scheduled to review small game hunting regulations and fishing regulations for the next year. The commission will also discuss its efforts to manage the state’s ruffed grouse population, which has experienced significant decline due to habitat loss.

A media representative for the WVDNR did not immediately respond to an email request for comment on the new meeting format.

Members of the public interested in attending the July 24 meeting in person can do so at the following locations:

• Beckley: 2006 Robert C Byrd Drive
• Charleston: 112 California Ave.
• Elkins: 738 Ward Rd.
• Farmington: 1110 Railroad St.
• Parkersburg: 76 Conservation Way
• Romney: 1 Depot St.