W. Va. Code R. § 58-70-2

Current through Register Vol. XLI, No. 36, September 6, 2024

Section 58-70-2 - Rules Governing Public Use of Campgrounds and Recreation Areas in State Wildlife Management Areas under the Division of Natural Resources

2.1. A person may not camp in any manner in state wildlife management areas, except at areas designated for camping. Campground facilities are provided for the exclusive use of registered campers.

2.1.1. Campsites which are not reserved shall be rented on a first come, first served basis. A campsite is occupied when there is a tent, camper or vehicle on the site and a valid camping permit is displayed.

2.1.2. One responsible person who has passed his or her eighteenth (18th) birthday and who is answerable for the actions and safety of the campsite occupants and liable for any damages caused by them shall be at each rented campsite.

2.2. A person may not have in his or her possession beer, wine, liquor, or other alcoholic beverages within the boundaries of the following wildlife management area campgrounds and recreation areas or parts of wildlife management areas where prohibited by posted signs.

Berwind Lake Wildlife Management Area,

Bluestone Lake Wildlife Management Area,

Laurel Lake Wildlife Management Area,

Plum Orchard Lake Wildlife Management Area,

Teter Creek Lake Wildlife Management Area,

Big Ditch Wildlife Management Area,

Pleasant Creek Wildlife Management Area,

Lewis Wetzel Wildlife Management Area,

Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area,

Conway Run Lake Wildlife Management Area,

McClintic Wildlife Management Area,

Chief Cornstalk Wildlife Management Area,

Lantz Wildlife Management Area,

Upper Mud River Wildlife Management Area & Recreation Area;

2.3. A person may not stay in any camping area for more than fourteen (14) consecutive nightsunless approved by the area wildlife manager. In no case may occupancy of a campsite be extended by the camper registering under a different name.

2.4. No more than two (2) motor vehicles may be permitted on a campsite at any time. A non-family camping group may have only one camping unit (tent, trailer, motor home, camper van, etc.) on its campsite. A family camping group, at the discretion of the area wildlife manager, may be permitted to have one (1) or two (2) small tents on its campsite in addition to the main camping unit, but in no case may the additional units be ecologically detrimental to the campsite. A family is defined as parents or guardians and their dependent children.

2.5. Campers shall vacate campsites by 12:00 noon on the day the campsite rental permit expires, unless the area wildlife manager extends the time at the request of the camper. No extension may extend beyond 4:00 p.m.

2.6. The campsite rental fee does not include the use of any other facilities or services for which a fee or rental is charged.

2.7. A person may not wash any equipment, paraphernalia, clothing, pet or human body at water fountains and water pumps, and in lakes, ponds, pools and streams. A person may not wash cooking utensils, tableware, flatware or any other cooking or eating paraphernalia at water fountains and water pumps, and in comfort stations, bathhouses and washrooms.

2.8. A person may not drive objects into any tree, shrub, rock, sign, building or other object or structure in a state campground. Trenching or digging in a campsite is prohibited.

2.9. Quiet hours are in effect, and they shall be observed and enforced from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Generators shall not be operated during quiet hours. ATV and motorbike riding is prohibited in camping area.

2.10. A person may not ride a bicycle in a campground after dark, unless it is equipped with lights on both its front and rear and the lights are turned on while it is being ridden.

2.11. Swimming is prohibited in state wildlife management areas, except in places designated for that purpose.

2.12. Only registered camping guests and licensed hunters and fishermen, while hunting or fishing, and persons who have authorized legitimate business in a state wildlife management area are permitted on the premises between the closing hour of 10:00 p.m. and the opening of 6:00 a.m. during which hours the premises are closed to the general public.

2.13. Dogs and cats are the only pets permitted in state wildlife management area campgrounds and shall be restrained at all times on a sturdy leash not to exceed ten feet in length and their owner or master shall clean up the pet's excreta, and keep it quiet and from disturbing other guests, and is responsible for all damages it causes.

2.14. A person may be evicted from a state wildlife management area by a Conservation Officer, Special Conservation Officer, Wildlife Manager or Superintendent for any breach of this rule, or for the breach of any other rule which is in effect governing its use. All charges and fees are forfeited upon an eviction.

2.15. Hawking, peddling, soliciting, begging, advertising, or carrying on any business or commercial enterprise is prohibited in state wildlife management areas without written permission of the Director of the Division of Natural Resources.

2.16. Explosives, fireworks and other dangerous substances are prohibited in state wildlife management areas.

2.17. A person may not dump, deposit or otherwise distribute garbage, waste, bottles, cans, paper, junk, or any other trash or refuse within the boundary of any state wildlife management area.

2.18. A person may not attempt to feed or feed any wild animal in a campground.

W. Va. Code R. § 58-70-2