9/16/2010
FAIRMONT, W.Va. – Hunters, anglers and other outdoors enthusiasts in the northern part of the state soon will have a place to enjoy their activities closer to home. The Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) has announced the establishment of a new wildlife management area in Marion County, according to Frank Jezioro, director of the WVDNR. “The Dents Run Wildlife Management Area (WMA) has been leased to the WVDNR by CONSOL Energy Inc. for the public’s enjoyment and benefit,” said Jezioro.
Dents Run WMA is the first such publicly accessible area managed for wildlife-associated recreation to be established in Marion County.
“Because of the large number of hunters and anglers who reside in this region of the state and the scarcity of public lands in Harrison, Marion and western Monongalia counties, this lease arrangement will be an important component of our agency’s wildlife management area system,” Jezioro said. “The opportunity provided by CONSOL Energy Inc. for hunters, anglers and other outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy this land through this lease arrangement is commendable.”
“Such a project illustrates that a private/public partnership can be a showcase for wildlife habitat enhancement and environmental stewardship," said J. Brett Harvey, CONSOL Energy Chairman, President and CEO. "CONSOL Energy's involvement in this project with the State of West Virginia is but another example of the beneficial use of surplus property for recreational and outdoor sports activity on land that once supported an underground coal mine. CONSOL is very gratified to be a part of this and prior such efforts to ensure that our surplus assets are put to good use and for the benefit of the local community."
The Dents Run WMA lies in western Marion County and consists of 1,226 acres. Access to the Dents Run WMA is by way of County Route 1 (Buffalo Road) and County Route 5 (Dents Run Road), with the WMA lying approximately 1.5 miles from Mannington. The WMA, which is primarily forested, will provide hunting opportunities for deer, wild turkey, squirrel, waterfowl and other game species. In addition, a 30-acre impoundment will provide the public with warmwater fishing opportunities.
A special dedication recognizing this generous lease by CONSOL Energy Inc. to the State of West Virginia is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 24, at 10 a.m. The dedication site is located along County Route 5 (Dents Run Road), approximately 1.8 miles from its intersection with County Route 1 (Buffalo Road). The dedication will be held on the lake side of the dam, approximately 0.25 miles from Dents Run Road, along the access road (Hibbs Run Road). A WVDNR vehicle will be parked along County Route 5 on the morning of September 24th to offer further directions, if necessary. The public is cordially invited to attend this event.
To obtain additional information and/or maps of the Dents Run WMA, contact the WVDNR District 1 Office in Farmington at 304-825-6787.
Contact Information
Curtis Taylor, Wildlife Resources Section
304-558-2771
dnr.wildlife@wv.gov