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West Virginia is a beautiful state in the eastern United States, known for its natural beauty and rich history.
Many individuals and companies own land in the state, but some stand out.
In this article, we will discuss the top 10 landowners in West Virginia and their impact on the state's economy and environment.
Top Landowners In West Virginia
| Landowners | Total Acres |
|---|---|
| 1. The State of West Virginia | 1,500,000 |
| 2. The Federal Government | 919,000 |
| 3. The Boy Scouts of America | 132,000 |
| 4. The Allegheny Wood Products | 125,000 |
| 5. The American Electric Power | 100,000 |
| 6. The Westvaco Corporation | 98,000 |
| 7. The Dominion Energy | 90,000 |
| 8. The Appalachian Power Company | 50,000 |
| 9. The Potomac Highlands Corporation | 40,000 |
| 10. The West Virginia Land Trust | 35,000 |
1. The State of West Virginia
The largest landowner in West Virginia is the state itself. It owns approximately 1.5 million acres of land, which includes state parks, wildlife management areas, and other public lands.
These lands are used for various purposes, including outdoor recreation, conservation, and resource management.
2. The Federal Government
The federal government is the second-largest landowner in West Virginia, with approximately 919,000 acres of land.
This includes national forests, wildlife refuges, and other federal lands.
These lands provide essential habitats for wildlife and support various industries, including timber and outdoor recreation.
3. The Boy Scouts of America
The Boy Scouts of America own around 132,000 acres of West Virginia land, including the Summit Bechtel Reserve.
The Summit Bechtel Reserve hosts the National Scout Jamboree every four years. Also, it serves as a venue for various outdoor activities and events.
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4. The Allegheny Wood Products
Allegheny Wood Products is a forestry company with around 125,000 acres of land in West Virginia.
They are involved in sustainable forestry practices and significantly impact the state's timber industry.
5. The American Electric Power
American Electric Power, a utility company, owns around 100,000 acres of land in West Virginia.
They use this land for power generation and other utility-related purposes, and their presence in the state has brought economic benefits.
6. The Westvaco Corporation
The Westvaco Corporation is a forestry company that owns approximately 98,000 acres of land in West Virginia.
They are committed to sustainable forestry practices and work closely with the state to ensure their practices are environmentally responsible.
7. The Dominion Energy
Dominion Energy, a utility company, owns around 90,000 acres of land in West Virginia.
They use this land for power generation and other utility-related purposes, and their presence in the state has brought economic benefits.
8. The Appalachian Power Company
The Appalachian Power Company, a utility company, owns around 50,000 acres of land in West Virginia.
9. The Potomac Highlands Corporation
The Potomac Highlands Corporation is a land management company that owns approximately 40,000 acres of land in West Virginia.
They are involved in various industries, including timber and outdoor recreation, and significantly impact the state's economy.
10. The West Virginia Land Trust
The West Virginia Land Trust is a non-profit organization that owns around 35,000 acres of land in West Virginia.
They work to protect critical natural areas in the state, including wildlife habitats and critical watersheds.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, these are the top 10 landowners in West Virginia, each with their unique impact on the state's economy and environment.