West Virginia State Wildlife Action Plan

The West Virginia State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP) is a response to Congress’s challenge for all states to provide a comprehensive wildlife conservation strategy, but more importantly, it is a road map for the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) and its many partners and collaborators to proactively conserve the full array of West Virginia’s biological diversity.   

West Virginia is rich in natural resources and its citizens deeply value fish and wildlife. This conservation plan addresses the complex challenges facing over 600 animal and 400 plant "Species of Greatest Conservation Need" (SGCN). These species, like many others, rely on suitable habitat, which is threatened by loss, degradation, disease, competition, and predation across multiple scales. Moving beyond regulation, this plan promotes a collaborative, voluntary approach, engaging landowners, agencies, NGOs, researchers, and the public.