West Virginia § 20-1-20 - 20-1-20. Limitations on state parks and state forests; exceptions.
Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 20-1-20 — 20-1-20. Limitations on state parks and state forests; exceptions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 20-1-20. 20-1-20. Limitations on state parks and state forests; exceptions.
(a)(1) The Legislature finds that the acquisition of land to construct new or expand existing state parks and state forests is costly. After these areas are constructed, they must be maintained and personnel must be employed to operate the facilities. These costs continue to increase and place a burden on state revenues.
(2) The Legislature declares that there is an ultimate limit to how many state parks and state forests, based upon its size, population and financial resources, the State of West Virginia can support. Further, the Legislature hereby declares that it is within its authority to establish, provide for and maintain limits on state parks and state forests.
(b) Without written notice to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance, neither the director nor an officer, employee or agent of the Division of Natural Resources may:
(1) Acquire, or authorize the acquisition of, land for any new state park or state forest; or
(2) Construct, or authorize the construction of, any new facility or building in any state park or state forest.
(c) Notice to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance is not required for the following acquisitions and construction projects:
(1) The director may authorize the construction of any new facility or building that is constructed with donated funds, materials and labor in an existing state park or state forest; and
(2) The director may construct or authorize the construction of any new facility or building built by state employees when the total cost of materials does not exceed $25,000.
(d) Nothing in this section shall prohibit the director from expending any appropriations that are designated to complete land acquisitions or the construction of facilities and buildings, including electric, water and sewage systems for state parks and state forests.
(e) The director shall require that any new building has a roof of sufficient slope in accordance with the current state building code.
Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 20-1-20
What does West Virginia Code § 20-1-20 cover?
Section 20-1-20 ("20-1-20. Limitations on state parks and state forests; exceptions.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite West Virginia § 20-1-20?
A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 20-1-20" (West Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of West Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.
How does West Virginia § 20-1-20 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.