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
Fishing is a way of life in West Virginia where the National Park Service is holding a grandfamily fishing program.

New River Gorge to host Oct. 10 grandfamilies fishing day

The New River Gorge National Park and Preserve is hosting a second Grandfamilies Fishing Day in southern West Virginia on Saturday, October 10, 2020. At the park’s Camp Brookside Environmental Education Center near Hinton, West Virginia, the event invites grandchildren and their grandparents to participate free-of-charge and enjoy time in the great outdoors fishing or … Read more

A black bear pauses to investigate a photographer in West Virginia.

W.Va. DNR reports increased nuisance bear activity

Due to an increase in nuisance bear activity being reported in West Virginia, biologists with the state Division of Natural Resources is asking residents to remove food and other attractants from around their homes to help reduce future incidents. The DNR has received more than 1,600 bear complaints in 2020, and bears have been spotted … Read more

Archery provides a safe alternative to fire arms in urban settings.

Special urban deer archery season opens Sept. 5

The opening of West Virginia’s archery and crossbow deer season is still a few weeks away, but hunters can get in the woods as early as September 5 when special deer archery hunts open in municipalities around the state. These urban deer archery hunts—coordinated by cities, towns, homeowner associations, and the West Virginia Division of … Read more

The Elk River flows past Big Chimney eat miles above its mouth at Charleston.

State adds, upgrades kayaking access on Elk River

The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is upgrading public-access sites along the Elk River in Kanawha County and adding several new locations near Charleston where anglers and kayakers can put a boat into this popular waterway. Work is underway on new access sites at Clendenin and Big Chimney. Additionally, upgrades are being made to … Read more

Livestock should have access to safe areas during threat of inclement weather.

W.Va. warns farmers to prepare for Laura aftermath

As the remnants of Hurricane Laura batter the southern U.S., the West Virginia Department of Agriculture is warning farmers to be proactive in the face of coming weather. Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt says his office expects that high winds and heavy rain could hit the state sometime this weekend. “As our state braces for … Read more

A splash dam crosses the upper Guyandotte River near its source at Amigo. Photo courtesy Tara Chavez of http://peepingdragonphotography.com/.

New Guyandotte Water Trail opening in southern W.Va.

A new water trail that leads through the mountains of southern West Virginia is springing to life, providing continuous river access to anglers and boaters across 160 miles that include some of the state’s most ruggedly beautiful terrain. The National Coal Heritage Area Authority and the newly formed Guyandotte Water Trail Alliance will hold a … Read more

A horse-drawn carriage tours the historic ground of Capon Springs Resort.

Capon Springs offers 30-percent state resident discount

Capon Springs Resort is offering a 30-percent discount on vacation packages for West Virginia residents in association with the state’s West Virginia Strong program, initiated by the governor in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. The offer will provide the discount to guests who reserve lodging for at least two nights between August 3-September 2 … Read more

Geocaching is enjoying renewed interest as a socially-distanced pastime in West Virginia.

New geocaching trail attracting attention in Marion County

As a socially-distanced pastime, geocaching is enjoying a boost worldwide and in West Virginia just as Marion County reveals a new county-wide geocaching trail. The 10-cache trail invites visitors to explore the county’s most important attractions, according to trail organizer Mark Webb, an intern for the Marion County Convention and Visitors Bureau. “It’s a fun … Read more

Cabins in state-managed parks in West Virginia are welcoming record in-state visitors. (Photo: W.Va. Dept. of Commerce)

Resident visitation record set in West Virginia state parks

State-managed parks and forests in West Virginia have welcomed a record-breaking number of in-state guests so far this year, thanks to a promotional discount available through August, Governor Jim Justice announced today. The announcement comes as a result of a park promotion prompted by the coronavirus-19 outbreak and includes a 30-percent discount on all state … Read more