Nature & Economy

An Uncertain Future

West Virginia and the United States stand at a turning point. The world economy is transforming at a pace we’ve never seen before, and we have a rare chance to shape that transition in a way that strengthens our communities, protects our natural assets and builds a more resilient economy for generations to come. To set West Virginia on the most successful future path, we must do things differently than we’ve always done. We must leverage our strengths, lean into the momentum and replenish our communities.

The Nature Conservancy’s Nature & Economy vision is simple and powerful: Strategically advance economic development and diversification to support communities transitioning from extraction to more regenerative resource use. This means two things:

• Enhancing West Virginia’s nature‑based outdoor recreation economy—rooted in mountaineer values and TNC’s legacy of strong land and water protection.
• Directing clean energy and other development onto former mine lands and brownfields—advancing business-savvy climate solutions while protecting intact landscapes.

Both pathways support our broader goal of Thriving People, because when we work together to ensure nature thrives, communities do too. To achieve this vision, we work collaboratively and pragmatically with partners ranging from private sector leaders to public servants to community economic development champions.

Nature Is the Critical Infrastructure of West Virginia’s Outdoor Economy

Mountaineers have always relied upon the abundant natural resources that our mountains, forests and streams have provided season after season. Now, outdoor recreation is one of West Virginia’s most powerful economic engines as a four-season destination. In 2024, the outdoor recreation sector generated $2.3 billion in economic activity, supported 21,936 jobs and contributed $1.0 billion in wages across the state. It now accounts for 2.1% of West Virginia’s GDP, outpacing national growth rates and proving that nature‑based economic development is not just possible but already happening.

But this momentum depends on access to abundant healthy lands, fresh air and clean waters. The trails we hike, the rivers we fish and the forests we explore all rely on strong, science-based conservation and smart stewardship. Without protected landscapes, clean rivers and resilient ecosystems, the outdoor recreation economy simply cannot grow to its fullest potential. The regions of West Virginia that are leveraging and stewarding their natural assets best continue to be the bright spots where economic growth is burgeoning and new visitors and potential residents are choosing to go most frequently.

That’s why TNC’s work in land and water protection is bolstering both critical environmental and economic infrastructure. Every acre protected, every stream restored, every forest made more resilient strengthens the foundation of a thriving outdoor economy and supports local communities and economies.

Abundant Energy, a Livable Climate and a Stronger Economy—Together

West Virginia’s identity has historically been deeply intertwined with energy. The coal industry built towns, powered the nation and influenced the grit and gumption of our proud mountaineer culture. That history deserves respect, and it also gives us a unique opportunity to transition that legacy into the future.

Energy is the currency of the modern era, both offering massive opportunities for investment and potentially limiting broader growth if not thoughtfully deployed. As the world shifts toward cleaner energy, West Virginia can lead again by embracing a diversified energy future to be best positioned to usher in the 21^st century economy.

When done correctly, clean energy development can:

• Attract a wide range of new industries and employers
• Bring new investment and jobs to communities that need them most
• Replenish local tax bases and strengthen community resilience
• Repurpose former mine lands and brownfields instead of clearing forests
• Reduce flood risk and heat impacts through climate‑smart planning

This is a timely, once‑in‑a‑generation economic opportunity. If we seize it, West Virginia can diversify its economy by attracting new industries, all while ensuring that our communities are not left behind as global markets change.

If we don’t, we risk missing the transition entirely.

TNC’s role is to help ensure that development happens in the right places, like previously disturbed lands, so we can protect intact forests, safeguard wildlife habitat and steward the natural assets that are foundational for our outdoor recreation economy and healthy communities.

Breaking the Extractive Trap

For more than a century, West Virginia’s natural wealth has been extracted and exported, while too little value stayed in the communities that produced it. To build a stronger future, we must stop giving away our natural and community resources and start valuing them as the economic assets they are.

Healthy forests, clean rivers and resilient landscapes are critical infrastructure to attract visitors, support local businesses, reduce disaster costs and improve quality of life. Well-managed and accessible outdoor recreation is becoming a bedrock of a modern, diversified economy—and increasingly a determinant of where people are choosing to live.

To get different outcomes, we must do things differently. We must invest in nature, protect what makes West Virginia special and ensure that development strengthens and empowers communities rather than depleting and disenfranchising them.

West Virginia’s Time Is Now

The Nature Conservancy’s Nature & Economy work is helping West Virginia:

• Protect the lands and waters that fuel a booming outdoor recreation economy
• Guide clean energy development to former mine lands and brownfields
• Build resilience for communities facing stronger storms and rising temperatures
• Ensure that economic growth is diversified and enduring in ways that yield direct benefits to local people and communities

West Virginia has everything it needs to thrive: world‑class natural resources, strong communities and a growing recognition that conservation and economic development are best achieved when working as partners, not opposing forces.

If we value what we have, protect what matters and embrace new opportunities with intention, West Virginia can build a future that is wild, prosperous and uniquely ours.

For More Information

Eriks Brolis
Director of Development & Strategic Initiatives
eriks.brolis@tnc.org
(304) 637-0160

If you are interested in supporting our Nature & Economy work, please contact Julie Cryser at julie.cryser@tnc.org or 304-288-8169.

If you're interested in becoming a corporate partner, learn more about our Corporate Council.