To avoid double counting acres where multiple programs contributed to the acquisition of a single parcel, the parcel acreage is only aggregated under the program that provided the majority of funding. For example, if the chart displays a dollar amount greater than $0, but also shows 0 acres, it is because the program was not the primary contributor for any parcels in that year.
Local data coming soon.
The Division of Natural Resources (WVDNR) and Wildlife Resources section acquires land through fee simple purchases with money derived from a capital improvements account. The account is funded by a conservation stamp which is required in order to receive a hunting or fishing license.*
Most land acquisitions secured by the WVDNR are funded through revenues generated by the Conservation Stamp. They also use limited funds generated by a portion of the base hunting and fishing licenses, and on occasion, the agency receives donations for its land acquisition efforts.
In April 2008 the Voluntary Rural and Outdoor Heritage Conservation Act was signed into law, which establishes the West Virginia Outdoor Heritage Conservation Fund. A dedicated $9 fee paid on deed recordings is to be divided between the WV Outdoor Heritage Conservation Fund and the (existing) County Farmland Preservation Fund.
The Outdoor Heritage Conservation Fund will spend half of its revenue on priority land acquisitions and the other half towards a competitive grant program.
The Farmland Preservation Fund will spend its revenue on costs associated with farmland preservation but not land acquisition.
*Article 6 Section 55 of WV Constitution
| Year | Acres | Dollars |
|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 5.1 | $21,019 |
| 2004 | 1,560.7 | $2,133,254 |
| 2003 | 8,252.8 | $1,155,451 |
| 2002 | 420.4 | $324,677 |
| 2001 | 10,149.3 | $863,240 |
| 2000 | 14,519.0 | $660,736 |
| 1999 | 4,530.6 | $1,311,597 |
| 1998 | 1,564.4 | $1,908,543 |
| Total | 41,002.3 | $8,378,517 |