Nearly two dozen more elk arrive in West Virginia

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WCHS) — Gov. Jim Justice announced Wednesday that the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources has added an additional 23 elk to the Tomblin Wildlife Management Area in Logan County.

The elk will be held and evaluated in the wildlife area for a short time before being released into the wild, according to a news release from the governor's office.

“As a lifelong outdoorsman, witnessing the resurgence of West Virginia's elk herd brings me immense joy and pride,” Gov. Justice said in the news release. “This achievement underscores our unwavering commitment to preserving our state’s outdoor heritage and ensuring our abundant wildlife and natural resources are protected for generations to come.”

The elk transport, which brings West Virginia’s elk population to 140–150, is the final of two transports the DNR had planned this year. All elk released this year have been transported from the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Kentucky.

The governor also announced Wednesday that the WVDNR has recorded 60 native elk calf births since launching its Elk Restoration Project in 2016.

In the coming weeks, construction of the Tomblin Wildlife Management Area Visitor Center and an elk viewing platform in Logan County will begin.

The elk viewing tower will provide an elevated platform for enhanced viewing areas and a level viewing area that will be accessible to those with limited mobility.

The adjacent visitor center will complement the elk viewing tower with more than 2,000 square feet of displays, conference facilities, offices and other amenities for visitors, volunteers, researchers and staff.

The new facility will also feature 3,300 square feet of space designed to help manage and support West Virginia’s growing elk herd.