AGP Executive Report

Outdoor Escapes: WVU’s new Birdwatching Club is organizing hikes at local parks, including Prickett’s Fort State Park, and welcomes beginners. Fall Traditions: Salem’s Apple Butter Festival celebrates 40 years with a free community gathering, a 5K and a Saturday ’80s rock tribute. Autumn Travel: West Virginia tourism officials say fall color is in full swing and have released a second foliage map to help visitors find scenic spots. Park Stays: Stonewall Resort earned a spot in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, while more than $19 million is headed to upgrades across state parks and forests. Winter Ahead: Snowshoe has set Nov. 25 as its opening day for ski season. On the Road: The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree tour is scheduled to stop in Morgantown on Nov. 16.

Fall Foliage: West Virginia’s tourism department has issued its second fall-color map, highlighting changing leaves in Tucker and Pendleton counties. Suggested stops include Cass Scenic Railroad, Davis and Thomas, Seneca Rocks and Blackwater Falls. New Fayetteville Stay: Hill Hall Hotel has opened in the former 1923 Fayetteville High School. The 40-room property gives visitors a historic place to stay near New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. Parks and Outdoor Recreation: State officials announced more than $19 million for upgrades to state parks and forests, while the Snowshoe Highlands Area Recreation Collaborative received the state’s Future of Tourism Award for its work on outdoor access and stewardship. Snowshoe plans to open for ski season Nov. 25. On the Road: West Virginia’s Click It or Ticket campaign runs Oct. 9–31, with extra enforcement during the Columbus Day weekend.

Fall Getaways: West Virginia’s latest foliage report highlights changing leaves in Tucker and Pendleton counties, with Cass Scenic Railroad, Davis and Thomas, Seneca Rocks and Kumbrabow State Forest among this week’s picks. Holiday Stop: The 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas tree tour is scheduled to visit Morgantown on Nov. 16, bringing free public festivities to the area. Travel Honors: Stonewall Resort ranked No. 12 among the South’s top resorts in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards; The Greenbrier placed No. 5. Tourism Investment: Hill Hall Hotel has opened in Fayetteville’s former high school, adding a 40-room stay near New River Gorge National Park. Nearly $20 million in upgrades is also planned for state parks and forests. Outdoor Recreation: Snowshoe plans to open for ski season Nov. 25, while the Snowshoe Highlands Area Recreation Collaborative earned the state’s Future of Tourism Award for its recreation and stewardship work. River Tourism: The Ohio River Way conference in Ironton brought communities together to discuss tourism along the river, with the organization expanding its work into West Virginia.

Tourism & Lodging: Stonewall Resort in Weston earned a spot in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards, spotlighting its lakeside stays, golf, spa, dining, and outdoor recreation. Historic Reuse: Fayetteville’s former high school reopened as the Hill Hall Hotel, with West Virginia Tourism Secretary Kayla Kessinger joining the ribbon cutting—another example of New River Gorge-era momentum turning local landmarks into visitor stays. River-Region Travel Planning: The Ohio River Way conference met at Ro-Na Cultural Center in Ironton to connect communities along an 800-mile Ohio River network and build tourism partnerships, with West Virginia still “breaking into” the effort. Outdoor Safety & Nature Tips: WV Division of Forestry updated fall burn rules starting Oct. 1, and a WV-focused guide warned drivers about wildlife on roads—especially deer—plus practical steps when you find a dead animal. Wildlife in Your Yard: WVU extension experts shared how to keep wild turkeys from becoming a nuisance in gardens and lawns. Family-Friendly Learning: Clay County High School launched a ProStart team heading to Morgantown for a culinary boot camp tied to the West Virginia Hospitality Cup at The Greenbrier. Local Travel Economy: A cruise-planning talk by Cruise Planners owners highlighted popular cruise and resort trends for travelers.

Tourism Education: Gov. Patrick Morrisey and Tourism Secretary Kayla Kessinger unveiled “Mountain Moves,” a Game of Life–style board game for 8th graders that teaches West Virginia history, tourism, and local career paths, with statewide distribution planned. State Parks & Forests: West Virginia is set to see major tourism-and-outdoors investment as funding and upgrades are approved for state parks and forests, including a new service barge for Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park. Wildlife Safety: Black bear activity is ramping up as animals prepare for hibernation, with experts warning drivers and residents to remove food attractants to prevent dangerous human-bear encounters. Road-Trip Reality Check: Fall foliage travel overlaps with peak deer movement during the breeding season, a period linked to higher animal-vehicle collisions—plan routes and drive extra cautiously. Local Infrastructure: Weirton’s $39M water line replacement faces delays and possible steep rate impacts, as officials work through funding options to avoid major customer increases. Outdoor Safety Policy: The West Virginia State Fire Commission approved a comprehensive fire safety strategy after an audit found gaps, focusing on prevention, response capacity, and better data. Fuel Watch: Diesel prices in Hampshire County hit $6.29 for the week ending Sept. 26, while other counties saw mixed midgrade and E15 pricing.

Tourism & Education: Gov. Patrick Morrisey and Tourism Secretary Kayla Kessinger unveiled “Mountain Moves,” a new West Virginia history and tourism board game for 8th graders, inspired by Game of Life and set to roll out to classrooms statewide. Public Safety: West Virginia’s State Fire Commission approved a comprehensive fire safety strategy after an audit found gaps, with a focus on prevention, fire department capacity, water resources, and better data—especially important for rural areas with long response times. Road Safety: Law enforcement will join the statewide “Click It or Ticket” mobilization Oct. 9-31 to crack down on unbuckled drivers and unrestrained children during the deadly Columbus Day weekend. Nature & Wildlife: A WVU-led study using new GPS “backpack” tracking helped DNR adjust river otter management, raising the annual trapping limit from one to two starting 2027-28. Parks & Heritage: Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park is set to receive $300,000 for a replacement service barge to keep vehicles and equipment moving to the island. Outdoors & Travel: The Trump administration is weighing opening more roadless national forest areas in West Virginia to logging and road development, a potential hit to wilderness recreation.

State Parks Boost: Gov. Morrisey announced nearly $19.7M for West Virginia State Parks and Forests, including a new 34-site campground and electrical upgrades at Little Beaver, cabin and lodge work at Twin Falls, and improvements at Pipestem, Hawks Nest, plus statewide paving and repairs. Road-Trip Reality Check: WVDOT says the first major phase of the I-64 Fort Hill Bridge rehabilitation starts Oct. 6 with crossover prep for January 2027 lane closures; deck replacement is slated through spring 2028. Fall Foliage Watch: Southern West Virginia is seeing early color, with tourism officials pointing to late October into early November for peak views, including scenic drives and back-road stops. Outdoor Hunting Planning: WVDNR released the 2026 Hunting Outlook and Mast Survey: mast is down statewide, with expectations for higher deer and raccoon harvests and mixed results for other species. Safety for Travelers: Click It or Ticket runs Oct. 9–31 alongside Operation Crash Reduction over Columbus Day weekend, targeting seat belt use and unrestrained children. Local Life & Community: Waterways Council Inc. named Nick Boykin director of communications and membership, and a 3,000th robotic-assisted joint replacement milestone was reached at WVU Medicine Princeton Community Hospital.

Fall Foliage Watch: West Virginia Tourism says southern WV should hit peak colors in late October to early November, with rain expected to help keep reds and yellows vibrant; officials encourage visitors to get off the main roads and even enjoy scenic drives along highways and bridges. Early Fall in Charleston: Families are already catching a preview on Charleston’s Sunrise Carriage Trail, where art and activities are drawing visitors to the first color changes. State Parks Boost: West Virginia is rolling out nearly $20M in upgrades for state parks and forests, aiming to improve tourism infrastructure and visitor experiences. Family-Friendly Local Events: Parkview Field in Huntington is in its “last hurrah” phase before transforming for Holiday Lights, with the early fall weather still bringing crowds. Outdoor Safety: Firefighters across the region are reminding families during National Fire Prevention Week to charge lithium-ion devices safely—watch for swelling, overheating, strange smells, and use hard, flat surfaces. Travel-Adjacent Culture: Francisco “Frank” Rabon, a CHamoru dancer from Guam, received the 2026 NEA National Heritage Fellowship—an arts win that highlights traditional culture worth seeking out.

State Parks & Tourism Funding: West Virginia is set to receive nearly $20 million for upgrades across state parks and forests, with tourism officials pointing to fall travel momentum and new projects in the works. Fall Travel Timing: The West Virginia Department of Tourism is highlighting early signs of fall color and peak viewing areas, plus fresh travel challenges for the season. Outdoor Safety: Fall burning season is underway, with restricted burning regulations now in effect and officials urging residents to follow updated rules. Monongahela National Forest Support: Funding is also headed to projects supporting the Monongahela National Forest and surrounding communities, tying conservation to local visitor experiences. Local Attractions: Harpers Ferry is getting attention as a classic fall escape, with scenic overlooks, local shops, and the Harpers Ferry Toy Train Museum and Joy Line Railroad. Water Quality Watch: A Gazette-Mail series spotlights public health risks from West Virginians’ well water, including rust and corrosion issues in rural Clay County. Sports & Travel Tie-In: West Virginia’s road game at Iowa State is on the sports calendar, a reminder to plan around game-day travel.

State Parks & Tourism Funding: West Virginia is moving ahead with major upgrades, including nearly $20M for state parks and forests—good news for fall travelers planning hikes, scenic drives, and campground time. Fall Color & Seasonal Travel: The West Virginia Department of Tourism is highlighting early signs of fall color across the mountains, with peak viewing expected to ramp up soon. Local Events for Visitors: Elkins’ Mountain State Forest Festival is in full swing, including a successful, weather-smart move-up of the Queen coronation and a big Grand Feature Parade with 107 entries. Family Fun Fundraiser: The Mountain Loggers Group’s Ted Harriman Log-A-Load for Kids auction raised $158,155 last year and continues to support WVU Medicine Golisano Children’s Hospital. Travel-Friendly Safety Watch: West Virginia officials are urging caution during fall fire season as outdoor burning restrictions roll in. Road Trip Tie-In: If you’re planning a fall getaway, Harpers Ferry is being pitched as a perfect autumn escape with scenic overlooks, local museums, and easy trail options. Sports & Travel Timing: West Virginia’s road game at Iowa State is on the TV schedule, a reminder to plan departures and lodging around game-day traffic.

West Virginia Tourism & Outdoors: West Virginia tourism is leaning into early fall color, with the state Department of Tourism highlighting peak foliage spots as leaves begin to change. State Parks & Conservation: Gov. Morrisey announced nearly $20M in upgrades across West Virginia State Parks and Forests, plus Monongahela National Forest approved nine community projects totaling about $240K for trails, recreation, and preservation. Wildlife Research: New River Gorge National Park is using tiny cellular trackers to follow endangered bats, with one tagged bat detected more than 130 miles from where it was captured. Community Events: The Mountain State Forest Festival in Elkins is in full swing, including a Grand Feature Parade with 107 entries and a Log-A-Load for Kids auction that raised $158,155 last year. Travel Safety/Quality: A Gazette-Mail report flags public health risks from West Virginians’ well water, showing how water quality issues can hit rural households hard.

Fall Color Updates: West Virginia Tourism says fall color is starting to show, with early peak spots including Canaan Valley Resort State Park and Blackwater Falls State Park, plus Dolly Sods Wilderness, Snowshoe Mountain, and Spruce Knob—follow weekly updates for the best timing. State Parks Funding Push: The West Virginia State Parks Foundation is seeking private donations and grants to help cover an estimated $260M in maintenance, equipment, and project needs, using a new $25,000 Appalachian Regional Commission grant to build a marketing and fundraising plan. Family-Friendly Crafting: Carnegie Hall is hosting a beginner-friendly “Paper Quilling: Autumn Trees” workshop Oct. 3 (ages 12+), with supplies included and a $35 fee. Nature & Skills Retreats: Yew Mountain Center’s CAMO Veterans Retreat series returns with hands-on functional crafts—timber framing, blacksmithing, ceramics, wood turning, and more—paired with outdoor time on its 500-acre preserve. Forest Farming Mini-Grants: WV Forest Farming Initiative mini-grants up to $400 are open to West Virginia residents through Oct. 15 to start or expand forest farming and non-timber forest product markets. On-the-Calendar Festival: Mountain State Forest Festival’s Queen Silvia coronation was moved up to avoid storms and still went off without rain at Davis & Elkins College. Wildlife Research in WV: New River Gorge National Park is using tiny cellular trackers to follow endangered bats, with tagged bats detected more than 130 miles away. Travel Safety Note: Hurricane Rachel has been upgraded to a Category 3 storm off Mexico’s Pacific coast, with alerts for heavy rain and dangerous surf/rip currents.

Tourism & State Parks: West Virginia tourism is riding record momentum, with the state’s tourism bureau highlighting 2025 record results and what’s ahead for the rest of 2026, while Gov. Morrisey announced nearly $20M in upgrades across West Virginia State Parks and Forests to boost visitor experiences. Fall Travel Safety: West Virginia’s fall forest fire season is underway, with restricted outdoor burning hours (5 p.m.–7 a.m.) and rules on keeping fires contained—plus reminders that debris fires are a major cause of wildfires. Local Events: ChiliFest returns to downtown Huntington as a major fundraiser, and the West Virginia Pumpkin Festival in Milton continues to draw families with crafts, music, and giant pumpkins. Nature & Wildlife: A local raptor specialist is fighting to keep a bald eagle bonded to her after the American Eagle Foundation says it will reclaim the bird. Road & Weather Watch: A mudslide closed Route 2 near Sistersville after heavy rain, and Hurricane Rachel has intensified to a Category 3 off Mexico’s coast, with dangerous surf and flooding risks. Travel Planning: The Capitol Christmas Tree route includes a stop in Morgantown, giving West Virginians a holiday photo stop on the way to Washington, D.C.

West Virginia Tourism: The state’s tourism bureau says West Virginia tourism hit a record in 2025 and is laying out what to expect for the rest of 2026. Fall Travel Alerts: Fall forest fire season restrictions are now in effect statewide, with outdoor burning limited to specific overnight hours and strict safety rules—important for anyone planning campfires or yard cleanup. Leaf-Peeping Update: The West Virginia Department of Tourism reports early fall color starting at higher elevations, pointing travelers to spots like Canaan Valley, Blackwater Falls, Dolly Sods, Snowshoe, and Spruce Knob. Outdoor Recreation: A new high-demand stay is drawing attention: the Red Oak Fire Lookout tower in the Monongahela National Forest is open for reservations, offering a unique “camping spot” with big views. Local Travel Disruption: A mudslide closed Route 2 near Wells Campground in Sistersville, with crews clearing debris and addressing drainage. Wildlife & Hunting: A below-average acorn crop could affect deer movement this fall, shaping hunting plans.

State Parks & Tourism Upgrades: Gov. Morrisey announced nearly $19.725M for West Virginia State Parks and Forests, including a new 34-site campground at Little Beaver, major cabin renovations at Twin Falls, statewide paving and repairs, and a $300K fix for Blennerhassett Island’s service barge and tugboat—aimed at keeping the “Almost Heaven” travel engine strong. Fall Foliage Watch: The WV Department of Tourism reports the first color shifts at high elevations, especially Tucker and Pocahontas counties, with early leaf-peeping stops like Canaan Valley, Blackwater Falls, Dolly Sods, Snowshoe, and Spruce Knob. Outdoor Burning Rules: West Virginia’s fall fire season starts Oct. 1 with strict daytime burning limits (no burning between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.), plus safety strip and supervision requirements—important for hikers and weekend travelers planning campfires. Wildlife Tech in the New River Gorge: Researchers are tagging endangered bats in New River Gorge National Park using tiny cellular transmitters to track where they go after leaving mines at night. Rural Health Access: Morrisey announced rural health investments, including a mobile medical clinic and provider productivity upgrades, to bring care closer to central West Virginia communities. On-the-Road Safety: A national roads report highlights big differences in fatal crash risk by state, a reminder for visitors driving mountain routes during peak fall travel. Arts & Community: A new adult movement course, “Motion from Visual Art,” launches Oct. 5 at the Beckley Art Center in partnership with the West Virginia Dance Company.

State Parks & Tourism Upgrades: Gov. Jim Morrisey announced nearly $19.725M in major upgrades across West Virginia State Parks and Forests, including a new 34-site campground at Little Beaver State Park, cabin and lodge renovations at Twin Falls, and statewide paving and repairs for campsites, driveways, parking lots, and walkways—aimed at keeping tourism momentum strong. Rural Health Access: Morrisey also announced more than $4M in rural health transformation awards for Minnie Hamilton Health Care Center, including a $1.7M mobile clinic to bring primary care, behavioral health, wound care, diagnostics, and telehealth into central WV communities. Outdoor Safety: West Virginia’s fall fire season starts Oct. 1, with outdoor burning limited to 5 p.m.–7 a.m. (vegetation only) through Dec. 31, and firefighters urge residents to call ahead and keep burn piles safe. Wildlife & Nature Tech: Researchers are tagging endangered bats in New River Gorge National Park with tiny cellular transmitters to track where they go after leaving mines. Family Fun: The West Virginia Botanic Garden’s Fall Children’s Festival returns Sunday (1:30–4:30 p.m.), with pumpkin painting, crafts, and fairy house building. Travel Planning Tip: Early fall foliage is already showing in Tucker and Pocahontas counties, with spots like Spruce Knob, Canaan Valley, Blackwater Falls, Dolly Sods, and Snowshoe leading the first color.