Join us for the WVEC Annual Meeting on September 20, 2025, at Cedar Lakes Conference Center’s Jackson Hall in Ripley, WV.
Your voice and ideas matter — every participant is crucial!
Take advantage of this opportunity to learn about our priorities and meet the minds behind our efforts. You’ll connect with decision-makers, share your ideas, and help steer our future direction. Register now to be part of the discussion.
Whether you’re new to this or a long-time advocate, we’d love for you to join us! Everyone is welcome.
Come for the day on Saturday, September 20, or make it a weekend getaway! Arrive Friday, September 19, enjoy a full day of activities on Saturday, a bonfire that evening, and a farewell brunch on Sunday, September 21.
This year, we’ll hear from guest speakers covering a wide range of topics, with a strong focus on flooding resilience and mitigation policies. We’ll also hear from guests from neighboring states, Virginia and Kentucky.
- Our Kentucky speaker will share insights on their community air monitoring efforts and discuss how the Kentucky legislature successfully passed a bill aimed at undermining community air monitoring, similar to the legislation proposed in West Virginia over the past two years.
- Our Virginia speaker will discuss how data centers have shaped the state’s landscape over the past couple of decades, and how environmental groups are pushing for responsible development while advocating for stronger environmental monitoring and compliance laws in the Virginia General Assembly.
- We’ll also explore public land policy developments in WV, the Clean Air Act, and the impact of this year’s HB 2014 on local control, along with innovative strategies for promoting our environmental policy priorities in the legislature and with the public.
A final agenda will be shared soon — sessions are still being added as speakers are confirmed.
This is your chance to help shape our priorities for the 2026 WV legislative session, connect with changemakers, and ensure your voice is part of the conversation. We encourage you to join us for the day — or make it a weekend getaway with Friday arrivals, evening socials, and Sunday brunch!
Explore Cedar Lakes’ recreational options — from hiking trails and basketball courts to horseshoes and more. Learn more at cedarlakes.com/recreation.
WVEC has reserved a block of rooms for attendees who wish to stay on-site (all rooms are pay-your-own-way). To reserve a room, call Cedar Lakes at 304-372-7860 and mention “WV Environmental Council” to access the room block.
For more details, visit: cedarlakes.com/accommodations
Available room options:
- Holt Lodge – $94/night
- Mountaineer Lodge – $85/night
- Main Lodge – $85/night
Most meals will be available in Jackson Hall throughout the meeting, with vegetarian and gluten-free options included.
A continental breakfast will be provided by WVEC on Saturday. Lunch and dinner on Saturday, as well as Sunday breakfast, will be available for purchase ($15 per meal).
When you register, please let us know which meals you plan to attend. Pay however works best for you—by card when you register, by mailing a check, or at the retreat.
If you’re arriving Friday, plan to dine out or order takeout from local restaurants, as the Cedar Lakes Dining Hall is not open to individual guests. Nearby options include Fairplain Yacht Club, Burger King, Domino’s (304-372-1600), and Gino’s Pizza & Spaghetti House (304-372-6769).
The Cedar Lakes Dining Hall is only open to registered group attendees, not to the general public or hotel guests.
Suggested registration fee is $10 per person (pay what you can). Free for students. Donations help cover meeting space costs.
Please email us at WVECevents@gmail.com with any questions!