
February Director’s Letter
February can sometimes be a challenging time for outdoor recreation. It’s usually cold, often snowy, and feels like it’s dark more than we’d like. Like many of you, I often find myself eagerly awaiting the arrival of spring. Will it be here early? Will we have six more weeks of winter? Do I even need to ponder the answers to those questions? Not really, not when the Division of Natural Resources has its own resident rodent, French Creek Freddie. Whether you call him a groundhog, woodchuck, whistlepig or just plain old Freddie, our time-honored weather prognosticator will welcome you to the West Virginia Wildlife Center on Groundhog Day. As you’re looking forward to spring, check out our story on French Creek Freddie and the history of Groundhog Day. Be sure and take the opportunity to visit in person too!
February is also a time to reflect on Black History Month. While we celebrate Black history year-round, this month gives us the chance to highlight personal journeys and the profound impact of people of color throughout West Virginia’s history. Some of the nation’s most influential African Americans have called the Mountain State home and I invite you to dive into this month’s magazine to find out more about some of those men and women.
Dropping a line may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re looking for something to do during a West Virginia winter, but when I find myself coming down with a bit of cabin fever, cold weather fishing is one of my favorite things to do. In February we’re in the middle of our spring trout stocking program, and it’s the perfect time to take advantage of the delayed harvest regulations on our catch-and-release streams. Whether I decide to fish from the bank or a boat, nothing clears my head like feeling a tug on my line on a clear, crisp winter day. But remember, safety is just as important in the winter—cold feet can end a trip before it starts! I like to make sure I have proper clothes—I like lots of layers—and if I’m on a boat, I always have a lifejacket on. Staying warm and safe means I can reel them in all day! For more information on cold weather fishing, you’ll want to check out our story on page 14.

If you’re in the Kanawha Valley, don’t miss the chance to visit J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works in Malden. Operated by seventh generation salt makers, this family run small business features one of the state’s oldest industries. They make their hand-made, high-quality salt from ancient seawater found below the Appalachian Mountains. Their salt is truly a one-of-a-kind Appalachian artisanal experience, and I think you’ll enjoy our story about their farm and their salt-making tradition.
West Virginia really is Almost Heaven. I’m proud to have grown up here and spent more than two decades working in West Virginia State Parks. Now, as Director of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, I’m delighted to be part of bringing you this beloved division publication. Please enjoy February’s stories and photos.
Brett W. McMillion, Director
Division of Natural Resources