Claudia L . Workman Wildlife Education Center
By Diana Kile Green , Forks of Coal State Natural Area Foundation Treasurer
ATV TrailCamp at Coaldale
By Roger Earle , West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection Engineer
The ATV TrailCamp at Coaldale in Mercer County is an excellent example of the joint efforts between public and private investment . Working with the Mercer County Development Authority , B & O Development , LLC , owned by local architect Todd Boggess and based in Princeton , WV , applied for and received a grant through the West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection ’ s ( DEP ) Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization ( AMLER ) Program . The property was listed as an abandoned mine property , and the highwall is clearly visible . The AMLER Program encourages private development of property in order to improve economic opportunities throughout the state , as well as to correct any existing conditions that could be hazardous to the public that were caused by coal mining activity that occurred on-site before the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 .
Construction started in summer 2020 , and after some delays due to COVID-19 , it was substantially complete in January 2023 . The ATV TrailCamp is now open and is a welcome addition to the lodging options available for ATV trail riders in Southern West Virginia . The ATV TrailCamp consists of four duplex units , or eight cabins , with one to two bedrooms each . The AMLER Program funded the new cabin construction , some site improvements and the sanitary system for the development . The renovations to an existing house that sleeps 11 were paid for with private money . There is also a large metal building that has renovation plans for the near future . Possible uses may include ATV rentals , storage / repair , a general store and / or a restaurant . Plans also include offering RV hook-ups and construction of additional cabins .
The coordinated efforts of the Mercer County Development Authority , Mercer County Commission , DEP and B & O Development , LLC have all contributed to the success of the project . Private investment dollars are being worked through a local bank , New Peoples Bank , along with support through community partners and a loan from the West Virginia Economic Development Authority .
The Claudia L . Workman Wildlife Education Center began with a $ 1.5 million gift of property by the late businessman Jack Workman to the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources ( DNR ). Jack and Claudia Workman were inventors and successful business partners . Claudia was a philanthropist dedicated to promoting literacy , learning opportunities and wildlife conservation to children and the community . After her passing in 2014 , Jack donated the property with the stipulation that a nature center be built in her memory .
As part of the donation agreement , a nonprofit foundation was established — the Forks of Coal State Natural Area Foundation — creating a PPP . The DNR provided $ 6 million in funding for the building and the foundation contributed exhibits valued at nearly $ 1 million .
The foundation received a U . S . Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement ( OSMRE ) grant through the DEP ’ s Office of Abandoned Mine Lands and Reclamation . These grants are awarded annually to support economic redevelopment in historic coal mining areas . The Workman property at the Forks of Coal River has several small , abandoned coal mines on it . Officials from several counties supported the application , and additional funding came from local businesses and other nonprofits .
The center houses interactive exhibits that illustrate the DNR ’ s work in wildlife habitat management and restoring native animals in their original habitats . Visitors view a 1,500- gallon aquarium with native Coal River fish , live reptiles , an active beehive and an interactive observation area for bird watching . Wall panels present American Indian history in the area , conservation heroes , stream restoration projects and more . An amphitheater is located behind the building .
The center staff works for the West Virginia State University Extension Service through a cooperative partnership with the DNR . In addition , a VISTA / AmeriCorps worker is sponsored by the foundation , the OSMRE and the DNR . The foundation is funding additional exhibits , while its members assist in activities , maintain trails and lead hikes . Schools from the region bring students to the center . This collaboration has achieved Claudia ’ s dream of creating unique learning opportunities for students and families .
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