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Clyde CraigClyde Craig

Clyde Craig is a staff writer for West Virginia Explorer. Born in Parkersburg, West Virginia, he traveled with his family across the globe with the U.S. Army before returning to the Mountain State in 2011. He has been a writer with the explorer since 2018. He can be reached at 304-575-7390 or at craig@wvexplorer.com.
Rock climbing in the New River Gorge near the New River Gorge Bridge
Rock Climbing

Interior Department opens review of rock climbing policies affecting New River Gorge

by Clyde Craig

FAYETTEVILLE, W.Va. — The U.S. Department of the Interior has launched a nationwide review of rock-climbing management practices and wilderness stewardship policies that could ultimately affect rock climbing in some of America’s most celebrated climbing destinations, including the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve in West Virginia. Federal officials announced this week that a … Read more

Mineral Rights in West Virginia: A majority of lawnowners in West Virginia are unaffected by the ownership of minerals beneath the surface.
Lodging and Real Estate

West Virginia mineral rights: Who owns the minerals beneath your land?

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is among the nation’s most mineral-rich states, with extensive deposits of oil, coal, salt, clay, limestone, natural gas, and other underground resources. Yet many landowners, especially those moving to the Mountain State, are surprised to learn that owning the surface of a property does not necessarily include the minerals beneath … Read more

The West Virginia Department of Tourism has announced its 2026 History Heroes Award recipients, honoring volunteers, preservationists, historians, genealogists, and museum leaders from communities across the Mountain State
History / Prehistory

W.Va. Tourism announces 2026 History Heroes award winners

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The W.Va. Department of Tourism has announced the recipients of the 2026 History Heroes Awards, recognizing volunteers and preservation advocates who have helped safeguard the state’s rich historical legacy for future generations. The annual awards honor individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to local museums, historical societies, preservation organizations, genealogy groups, and … Read more

Larvae of the New World Screwworm fly burrow into the flesh of living animals, causing serious, often deadly damage. (USDA Image)
Agriculture

W.Va. agriculture officials monitoring screwworm after first U.S. detection

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia agriculture officials say they are closely monitoring the recent detection of the destructive New World screwworm in Texas and have emergency response plans in place should the pest spread beyond the Southwest. The W.Va. Department of Agriculture in Charleston issued a statement Thursday after the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed … Read more

With its three rivers, Summers County became a popular fishing getaway during Miners' Vacation in the 1950s.
Festivals / Events

Historical society celebrates history of W.Va. Miners’ Vacation with fish fry fundraiser

by Clyde Craig

HINTON, W.Va. — The New River Gorge Historical Society will celebrate a cherished tradition of life in southern West Virginia with a community fish fry and historical program on Saturday, June 13, at the Summers County Memorial Building in downtown Hinton, West Virginia. Inspired by the annual “Miners’ Vacation” once observed throughout the New River … Read more

Davie Chinn, David Sibray, and Lori Noble meet at Little Beaver State Park to discuss increased promotion of outdoor recreation.
Economic Development

Chinn, Noble appointed to key leadership roles at West Virginia Explorer

by Clyde Craig

BEAVER, W.Va. — West Virginia Explorer President and CEO David Sibray has announced the appointment of Davie Chinn as Director of Technology and Lori Noble as Director of Advertising for the West Virginia Explorer publications. The appointments come as the leading tourism news and travel guide expands its efforts to support outdoor recreation, heritage travel, … Read more

National Trails Day encourages people of all ages to get outdoors, connect with their community, and become trail stewards.
State Parks, Forests

West Virginia state parks celebrate National Trails Day with hikes, volunteer events

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — In celebration of National Trails Day, officials at West Virginia State Parks announced a lineup of guided hikes and trail cleanup events across several state parks and forests, scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2026. Organized nationwide by the American Hiking Society, National Trails Day encourages people of all ages to get outdoors, … Read more

Forest projects have included stream restoration, erosion control, invasive plant removal, native tree planting, wildlife habitat improvements, and trail or road maintenance.
National Forests

Monongahela National Forest seeks conservation proposals in five West Virginia counties

by Clyde Craig

ELKINS, W.Va. — The W.Va. Resource Advisory Committee is seeking proposals for conservation and infrastructure projects that benefit the Monongahela National Forest and surrounding communities. Funding is provided through the federal Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act, a program designed to compensate counties that contain large amounts of federally owned land exempt from local … Read more

Each spring, officials field calls about young wildlife that may appear abandoned but in most cases are behaving as they should in the wild.
Wildlife / Conservancy

Biologists in West Virginia warn the public to leave young wildlife alone

by Clyde Craig

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources are reminding the public to leave young wildlife alone, noting that handling wild animals can harm them, spread disease, and violate state law. Brett McMillion, director of the Canada geese groom at the McClintic Wildlife Management Area. (Photo courtesy West Virginia Dept. of Commerce)[/caption] … Read more