West Virginia’s elk herd continues to grow
West Virginia’s elk restoration project is wrapping up another successful summer at the Tomblin Wildlife Management Area in Logan County, West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (WVDNR) said in a news release. The state’s herd continues to grow with the addition of at least 15 calves, bringing the total elk population to about 85. Elk were once native to West Virginia, but the species disappeared in the 1800s due to timbering and overhunting.
“Summer 2020 has been really good for the elk in southern West Virginia,” said Randy Kelley, elk project leader for the WVDNR. “Population growth is a slow process because elk only have one new calf per female, but the herd is growing at a rate I think we’ll be happy with over time.”
REI sells brand-new headquarters to Facebook for $390 million
Outdoor retailer REI has announced that they’ve sold their brand-new office complex in Bellevue, Washington to Facebook for $390 million, SNEWS reports. Three months ago, REI pulled advertising from Facebook in response to the company’s reluctance to censor hate speech.
In a news release, REI says that the sale provides “a positive return on the co-op’s investment in the property and will enable important investments in REI’s customer-facing innovations, its nonprofit partners and carbon reduction goals.”
Free entry to national parks on Sept. 26
Held annually on the fourth Saturday in September, National Public Lands Day takes place on Sept. 26 this year. The day is the nation’s largest single-day volunteer effort. There are many ways to participate in National Public Lands Day, so check out this list to see volunteer events around the country.
Another great way to celebrate our public lands is to visit a national park. Entrance to all national parks will be free on National Public Lands Day. The entrance fee waiver, however, does not cover amenity or user fees for activities like camping, boat launches, transportation or special tours.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
