David Sibray

David Sibray is the founder, publisher and editor-in-chief of West Virginia Explorer, a news and travel magazine devoted to the state’s history, tourism, outdoor recreation and economic development. For more information, he may be reached at 304-575-7390 or at editor@wvexplorer.com
The state's annual youth fishing derby is set for June 12 at Little Beaver State Park near Beckley.

Statewide Free Fishing Weekend being celebrated June 12-13

West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice is calling on state residents and guests to grab a fishing pole this Saturday, June 12, and Sunday, June 13, during West Virginia’s Free Fishing Weekend. During the two-day statewide event, residents and non-residents are able to fish in West Virginia for free, providing novice and returning anglers the opportunity … Read more

State partners with Toyota to promote pollinator conservation

Landowners in the Kanawha Valley had a hands-on opportunity to learn how to create pollinator habitats on their properties through a recent workshop hosted by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources and Toyota Motor Manufacturing West Virginia Inc. Susan Olcott, pollinator project leader for the division, says landowners across the state can avail themselves … Read more

Brian Fanary believes Sophia can benefit greatly from regional growth.

Historic Sophia poised for growth, mayoral candidate says

Adjoining a newly completed expressway, Historic buildings line Main Street in Sophia, West Virginia.[/caption] “Sophia is poised to grow—now more than ever,” says Fanary, a highway project manager who grew up in the town of just more than 1,300 residents. Several factors have set the stage for growth in the town, Fanary says, including the … Read more

The whole family is welcome to pursue at whole host of outdoor adventures at the Pipestem Adventure Zone at Pipestem Resort State Park.

Pipestem Resort State Park welcomes new adventure zone

Adventure enthusiasts are invited to the mountains of southern West Virginia May 26 for the grand opening of the Pipestem Adventure Zone at Pipestem Resort State Park. The park-within-a-park near the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve will add a second layer of adventure entertainment at a state park travel destination long known for its … Read more

Chase Gibson, of Mount Clare, caught a 54.0625-inch, 39.64-pound musky at Burnsville Lake, breaking the previous record for length.

W.Va. record muskellunge caught at Burnsville Lake

A West Virginia angler caught a state record muskellunge on April 30 in Braxton County, according to officials at the W.Va. Division of Natural Resources. Chase Gibson, of Mount Clare, in Harrison County, caught a 54.0625-inch, 39.64-pound musky at Burnsville Lake, breaking the previous record for length—53.5 inches held by Joe Wilfong since 2017. Anna … Read more

A biologist displays a muskellunge on the Ohio River.

West Virginia partners in multi-state musky mortality project

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has partnered with fish and wildlife agencies and angling organizations across the eastern U.S. to attempt to gauge sport-fishing impacts on the muskellunge population. In cooperation with Coastal Carolina University and West Virginia University and state agencies in Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, and Wisconsin, the study will help … Read more

Historic properties in North Wheeling may soon be added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Tax credit for historic W.Va. buildings now permanent

West Virginia has made its historic tax rehabilitation credit program permanent, a move real estate developers are hailing for its economic influence in downtowns. Gov. Jim Justice recently signed the bipartisan bill, which provides a 25-percent tax credit for those who rehabilitate historic income-producing properties, according to Danielle Parker, executive director of the Preservation Alliance … Read more