CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia has launched a ruffed grouse and wildlife restoration program, enhancing habitat by strategically planting soft mast-producing trees and shrubs on recently harvested private timberlands.
This innovative program is designed to provide vital food sources for various wildlife species, including ruffed grouse, white-tailed deer, and songbirds, while also benefiting landowners and local economies.
According to the Justice, it will be administered through a cooperative effort led by the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources and the W.Va. Division of Forestry.
“We’ve been working for quite some time to launch this program, and let me tell you, I am extremely excited to announce its launch,” Justice said.
“As a lifelong hunter and angler, I’m so proud of the work my administration has done to invest in West Virginia and promote our state’s world-class natural resources."
He said the program will allow forest landowners to reclaim up to five percent of their recently harvested timberlands with soft mast-producing trees and shrubs.
Participants will receive technical assistance, including species recommendations, planting locations, and methodologies, and will be reimbursed for 75 percent of the costs associated with the planting projects.
The governor said the program would benefit wildlife, create jobs, and stimulate local economies.
"The strides made in this program will greatly boost our wildlife, from grouse to deer and on and on, while also becoming a huge economic driver," Justice said.
"This program is the real deal, and I cannot wait to see how it benefits landowners, our wildlife, and our economy.”
Landowners can purchase trees and shrubs from local sellers or source materials from nationwide suppliers and nonprofit organizations.
If they choose not to plant the trees and shrubs themselves, professional landscapers and tree-planting contractors can do the job, creating new opportunities for small businesses and local job growth.
This initiative supports various conservation and recreational goals while fostering economic benefits, including job creation in nursery production and planting operations.
The program also enhances wildlife habitats by providing critical food and covering resources in recently harvested areas.
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