Veterans to receive special lodging rate at WV state parks during Veteran Appreciation Weeks
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice announced on Thursday that all United States veterans who stay at a West Virginia state park or state forest during upcoming Veteran Appreciation Weeks will receive 50 percent off on overnight lodging and cabin rates. The discount begins Friday, Nov. 1 and runs through Friday, Nov. 15, 2019. “Providing this discount at our state parks and forests is the least we can do, because our veterans have truly given us everything we have in this world,” said Gov. Justice. “Really, more than anything, it’s a way of saying thank you to our veterans for putting their lives on the line for us.”
The offer is extended to all military personnel who have served or are currently serving and is subject to availability. To receive the discount, guests should make an online reservation at www.wvstateparks.com and use the promo code VETERAN. Military ID must be shown during check-in.
NC Surf to Sound Challenge draws World Tour title contender
April Zilg, a North Carolina native and top-two title contender in the women’s overall and sprint divisions on the Association of Paddlesurf Professionals World Tour, will compete in the upcoming Surf to Sound Challenge in Wrightsville Beach, NC November 1- 3.
Zilg has not yet decided which race she will enter. “The SUP race is one of my favorites because you get to head out through the surf,” said Zilg. “But, Surf to Sound Challenge is including more outrigger canoe events, and they’ll have the 11-mile OC-1 race… I love paddling and racing my Puakea Designs Kahele and may jump at the opportunity to race that.”
The Wrightsville Beach Paddle Club organizes the Surf to Sound Challenge, which includes a number of events such as the 6.5-mile Surf to Sound Challenge for elite paddleboard and prone competitors, an 11-mile longboat endurance race, a kid’s paddleboard race and more.
5 new states, including Virginia, commit to outdoor recreation principles
At the Utah Outdoor Recreation Summit on Saturday, five new states, including Virginia, signed on to advance the principles of the Outdoor Recreation Industry Confluence Accords. The Confluence Accords contains 12 principles within four main pillars of conservation and stewardship; education and workforce training; economic development; and public health and wellness. Eight original states, including North Carolina, developed and signed the original accord.
“From the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic Ocean, every region of Virginia is home to unique outdoor assets and recreation opportunities which are sough out by millions of travelers each year,” said Virginia Governor Ralph Northam. “We’re pleased to join the community of states that have recognized the importance of this industry as a driver of economic development and quality of life. Outdoor recreation not only improves the growth potential of Virginia’s communities, but it also supports our goals on land conservation, workforce development, and public health.
