The Senate Natural Resources Committee has approved two bills to be reported to the floor with the recommendation that they pass.
SB 380 would create a two-year pilot program permitting recreational vehicles on designated roads and trails in Cabwaylingo State Forest after purchase of special permits. The bill also provides for designation of campgrounds and tent sites to be used by the ATV and ORV users.
Senator Robert Beach, D-Monongalia, proposed an amendment to require the department handling the pilot program to report back to the committee at the end of the two years to determine the success of the program.
An amendment to Beach’s amendment was made to allow a legislative auditor to report on the program before the committee after the program concludes.
West Virginia State Parks Chief Sam England was available to answer questions from the committee.
Greg Cook, deputy state forester for the West Virginia Division of Forestry, was also provide the committee information.
The bill will be referred to Senate Government Organization once reported to the floor.
SB 472 would permit bear hunting with guides.
The bill would limit this ability only to areas currently undergoing elk management.
