I’ve been interfacing with employees of the WV Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for several decades. They are always dressed impeccably and in uniform clothing that has a nametag and badge attached, and seem to be proud, professional public servants. They work in the fields and streams, and I believe they do the best they can to protect our natural resources while walking the narrow path between regulations and industrial pressure.

Our new inexperienced governor in the “state of the state” address for some reason went off on a tangent and criticized DNR employees for wearing “t-shirts and jeans with a badge in the pocket” and generally castigated them. That was uncalled-for and ill-advised. He just embarrassed himself. I hope he has apologized.

Thanks, DNR people.

Betty Wiley, President
Dunkard Creek Watershed Assn., Inc.

Note from Betty: Disgusting development. Note that the Governor insulted WV DEP (Not DNR as I previously emailed) for “wearing t shirts and jeans.” BUT it’s the same deal… I’ve been interfacing with DEP people too, and all I remember is uniforms and badges and smiles from people walking the narrow path between enforcing the law to protect us, and getting fired for being too vigilant.