Laurel Lake Wildlife Management Area

About:-

Laurel Lake Wildlife Management Area, a 12, 851 acre area, is located seven miles northeast of Lenore, West Virginia. Laurel Lake originated in 1960 when 75 acres of land were leased from Cotiga Development Company for the construction of a 29 acre lake. In recent years, additional lease agreements were obtained which expanded the area to its present size.

Slopes are steep and the valleys and ridges of Laurel Lake are narrow. Dogwood and rhododendron, the state flower, are common and add a softness during spring months. The abundance of Eastern Hemlock provides a refreshing green to the terrain during winter months, while the tangles of blackberry, Autumn Olive and grapevine offer cover and food for wildlife and a challenge to hunters. Oak, Hickory, Poplar, and Maple are the predominant species of hardwood.

The forest surrounding the lake is full of predators such as fox, owl, and raptors. Snakes, frogs, turtles and salamanders remain camouflaged throughout the lake and forest areas. Mollusks, crustaceans, and arachnids play a big role in the lake ecology. Plants such as blackberry and dandelion provide food to numerous species that inhabit the Laurel Lake area.