Background Image for Header: pavilions in a park
What is a Geopark?
A Geopark is an area that bring geology, cultural heritage, natural resource and outdoor recreation together with three specific goals.
- To protect geological sites of international significance through proper planning, management and legislation;
- To encourage the sustainable use of geo-sites for knowledge-transfer activities; and
- To promote geo-tourism and local engagement activities in the geopark.
A Geopark status does not imply restrictions on any economic activity inside a Geopark where that activity complies with indigenous, local, regional, and/or federal legislation.
Why create a Geopark in West Virginia?
- To stimulate much-needed economic development in the region;
- To develop and enrich the surrounding communities (initially, Raleigh, Fayette, and Greenbrier Counties) through this innovative and contemporary opportunity; and
- To elevate – and celebrate – our state’s geology, coal heritage, rail heritage, caverns and caves, springs, historical monuments, protected areas, and other attributes and landmarks that help define West Virginia.