Tag: The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources

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

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.

W.Va. Scenic Railroad Transfer Expected to Go Smoothly

Officials say the transfer of operations for Pocahontas County’s historic Cass Scenic Railroad to the State Rail Authority is expected to go seamlessly.

The West Virginia’s Division of Natural Resources announced in October that it would transfer responsibility for Cass’ rail operations to the authority, which is the central state agency for railroad matters. The transfer is set to go into effect Jan. 1.

The Charleston Gazette reports that the Cass Scenic Railroad has had operating losses of about $1.5 million a year.

Visitors will see no changes in rail excursions next year but fares will likely increase moderately. Adult fares ranged from $19 to $33 in 2014.

The Division of Natural Resources will continue to operate Cass Scenic Railroad State Park. The park has 100,000 annual visitors.

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