Requesting Joint Committee on Government and Finance study decline of eastern gray fox population in WV

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Vince Deeds and 3 co-sponsors

SCR 9 directs a joint study to identify causes of West Virginia’s eastern gray fox decline and develop recommendations, possibly including legislation, with findings due in 2027.

Ordered to House

#resolutions(interimstudy)

Summary of Senate Concurrent Resolution 9 (SCR 9), 2026, West Virginia

Purpose and Intent

SCR 9 requests the Joint Committee on Government and Finance to study the decline of the eastern gray fox population in West Virginia.

The goal of the study is to identify reasons for the decline and to develop ways to stabilize and rebound gray fox populations.

The resolution notes the eastern gray fox is the only native canine in West Virginia and highlights its ecological role in hardwood forests as a predator of various rodents, as well as its historical importance to West Virginia trappers and fur economy.

Key Provisions and Proposed Actions

Scope of Study: The Joint Committee on Government and Finance is instructed to investigate the causes of the decline in the eastern gray fox population within the state.

Outcomes Sought: The committee should produce findings, conclusions, and recommendations, including any draft legislation necessary to implement its recommendations.

Reporting Timeline: The committee must report its findings to the regular session of the Legislature in 2027.

Fiscal Allocation: Expenses to conduct the study, prepare the report, and draft legislation are to be funded from legislative appropriations allocated to the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.

Procedural Status: The resolution originated in the Senate Natural Resources Committee and, after review, was reported in March 2026 with adoption of the resolution and immediate consideration.

Who Is Affected

Biological/ecological impacts: The study targets factors influencing the eastern gray fox population, potentially affecting wildlife management, habitat conservation, and ecological balance in West Virginia’s hardwood forests.

Economic/industry impacts: Historically, gray fox fur and related trapping activities have been economically significant in West Virginia; any resulting policy recommendations could affect wildlife management practices, trapping regulations, and fur-bearing animal programs.

Legislative/administrative processes: The Joint Committee on Government and Finance will undertake the study and may propose legislation to address findings.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduced/Origin: Originated in the Senate Natural Resources Committee and introduced as SCR 9.

Action History Highlights:

March 11, 2026: Originated and reported be adopted.
March 14, 2026: Report adopted; immediate consideration and Senate approval by voice vote; ordered to the House.
March 14, 2026: House consideration pending (as of the provided history).

Reporting Deadline: The committee is to report its findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the 2027 regular session of the Legislature.

Funding: Study expenses financed through existing legislative appropriations for the Joint Committee on Government and Finance.

Potential Impact and Considerations

Establishes a formal, data-driven review of declining eastern gray fox populations.

Could lead to policy recommendations or legislative measures related to habitat conservation, population monitoring, hunting/trapping regulations, and management practices.

Emphasizes the species’ ecological and historical economic significance, potentially shaping biophysical and economic considerations in wildlife policy.

If you’d like, I can extract a concise bullet-point brief for policymakers or a layperson-friendly one-page summary.