Construction for West Virginia’s first Elk Visitor Center to begin in spring 2024
LOGAN COUNTY, WV (WVNS) — Construction for the first Elk Visitor Center in West Virginia will start in spring 2024 with an estimated opening date of 2025.
Governor Justice and WVDNR welcome more elk into the Mountain State
An announcement was made by Governor Justice that the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) gave the March-Westin Company, Inc. of Morgantown a $6.7 million contract for construction in Logan County to build a Tomblin Wildlife Management Area Visitor Center and Elk Viewing Platform.
Funds for the construction project comes from $2.5 million in Abandoned Mine Land grants from Governor Justice, $2.1 million from the West Virginia Department of Economic Development, and $2.1 million from hunting and fishing license funds.
I’m excited to announce that this project is getting started because it will allow even more people to experience the awe-inspiring sight of our elk herd. West Virginians have embraced these majestic creatures, and this new facility will ensure their continued success while boosting tourism and economic development in Logan County.
Governor Justice
The Visitor Center and viewing area are expected to draw in many visitors to the area to see the elk herd. The amount of visitors that are estimated to come to the center will contribute to the support elk management efforts, as well as help the local economy.
The elk viewing tower will not only have an elevated platform for good viewing areas, it will also have a level viewing area so that people with limited mobility will be able to access the tower.
Photo Courtesy: Governor Justice Photo Courtesy: Governor Justice Photo Courtesy: Governor Justice Photo Courtesy: Governor Justice
The visitor center by the viewing tower will add to the experience with over 2,000-square feet of displays, visitors, volunteers, staff, researchers, offices and other amenities for visitors, and conference facilities. In addition there will also be over 500-square feet dedicated to the elk program’s history and the reclaimed mine areas where the elk were introduced.
This facility will not only provide unparalleled opportunities for the public to connect with nature and witness our majestic elk herd but also plays a crucial role in our ongoing efforts to restore and manage elk populations in West Virginia. Thanks to the generous support from Gov. Justice, our state and the contributions of our hunting and fishing communities, we are able to bring this project to life. We believe this initiative will serve as a beacon for wildlife enthusiasts, researchers and tourists alike, offering a unique window into the beauty of West Virginia.
Brett McMillion | WVDNR Director
3,300-square feet at the facility will be made to help support and manage the growing elk herd in the Mountain State. Some aspects of the facility that will help manage the elk herd include research facilities, a lab with an enlarged exterior door and overhead crane system for handling elk, storage for supplies and equipment, labs, and five large equipment bay doors.
Authorized burn set for Sandstone Visitor Center
In January 2024, the WVDNR and Governor Justice made the announcement that 17 new elk were brought to the Tomblin WMA, bringing the total elk population in West Virginia to 127, with another 23 elk that are scheduled to be brought to the state later in February 2024.
The 40 elk that are scheduled to be released in 2024 will be brought to West Virginia from the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Kentucky. The U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and the West Virginia Department of Agriculture were involved in the capture and release of the elk.
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