New elk statue honors leaders behind West Virginia wildlife success story

Tuesday's dedication ceremony was hosted by the Hatfield-McCoy Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Shana Nelson & A.M. Stone | WVOW News

LOGAN The success of West Virginia's elk restoration project was on full display Tuesday during the dedication of the new "Larry Bob Wilson" elk statue at the Country Roads Byway Visitor Center, and according to former Natural Resources Commissioner Ken Wilson, the project is still growing.

The state's elk population began with 24 animals reintroduced to the region and has now grown to approximately 140.

Wilson called into Wednesday's edition of WVOW's “What's Your Opinion?” to discuss the dedication ceremony and provide an update on the state's expanding elk herd.

"Our herd's spreading out. We've got several that have moved up over to Twisted Gun Golf Course at Gilbert," Wilson said. "They move around, and you know, that's what they do, but it's coming along."

The four story viewing tower allows visitors to see the elk herd while experiencing a scenic view of the area.

The statue dedication celebrated one of West Virginia's most successful wildlife restoration efforts. The state's elk population began with just 24 animals reintroduced to the region and has now grown to approximately 140.

Wilson, one of the namesakes of the new statue, also highlighted the continued investment being made in elk tourism and conservation infrastructure in southern West Virginia.

"We’ve got a new facility on the hill. It's about a $6 million facility, a new office complex," Wilson said. "We actually have a bunkhouse up there where we have two interim biologists living up there, and we have the viewing tower, which is four stories tall. And then the Elk Visitor’s Center up there as well."

Bob Fala, Larry Rockel, and Ken Wilson at the dedication ceremony with the "Larry Bob Wilson" elk statue that honors their names.

The new statue, located along Route 73, honors retired WV Division of Natural Resources Sergeant Larry Rockel, former DNR Director Bob Fala, and Wilson himself. Combining portions of each man's name created the unique "Larry Bob Wilson" title.

The statue serves as both a tribute to those who helped bring elk back to West Virginia and a new attraction for visitors exploring the region.

"It's quite a deal to go see them, you know, in itself," Wilson said of the elk. 

While wildlife viewing remains the primary attraction, Wilson noted that future recreational opportunities could eventually include a regulated hunting season if herd numbers continue to grow.

West Virginia Elk Project Leader Randy Kelley spoke during Tuesday's statue dedication.

West Virginia Elk Project Leader Randy Kelley, speaking during Tuesday's ceremony, noted that the state's elk herd has reached a milestone where more elk have now been born in West Virginia than were originally imported from other states.

Logan County Commission President Billy Jack Dickerson said the elk restoration project continues to boost tourism while giving residents and visitors a chance to experience an animal that had been absent from West Virginia for more than a century.

Logan County Commission President Billy Jack Dickerson spoke about the the project boosting tourism and providing unique opportunities.

"The herd is increasing. The visitors to the elk center are becoming more and more popular as out-of-town guests come in to ride the trails and visit family," Dickerson said. "It gives them something else to do, and the potential to see that majestic an animal in real life is probably out of reach for a lot of folks."

Tuesday's dedication ceremony was hosted by the Hatfield-McCoy Convention and Visitors Bureau and marked another milestone in a project that has transformed elk from a distant memory in West Virginia into one of the state's growing wildlife and tourism success stories.

PHOTOS | Hatfield-McCoy CVB, Ken Wilson, A.M Stone