West Virginia Code 19-1A-1 – Legislative findings
The Legislature finds that West Virginia has extensive forest resources and their continued development and expansion is vital to the economic well-being of the state and its people.
Terms Used In West Virginia Code 19-1A-1
- State: when applied to a part of the United States and not restricted by the context, includes the District of Columbia and the several territories, and the words "United States" also include the said district and territories. See West Virginia Code 2-2-10
The Legislature also finds that the production potential of the state's forest resources remains far greater than the present demand.
The Legislature further finds that the promotion of existing forest products industries and the promotion of new forest products industries would benefit the state in terms of employment and additional revenue to the state.
The Legislature further finds and declares that, to increase employment and boost the state's economy, the limits to the development of the potential of West Virginia forest resources must be reduced through an intensive campaign aimed at making new contacts, developing new and existing markets and increasing public awareness of the advantages of the forest resources in West Virginia.
The Legislature further finds that the state forests are an important resource for silvicultural and scientific research; developed and undeveloped outdoor recreation; propagation of forest trees, fish and wildlife; wildlife and fisheries management; aesthetic preservation; hunting and fishing; timber production; and demonstration of state-of-the-art forestry management and therefor should be managed on a multiple-use basis.