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History of the Project The agreement specifies that Appalachian and the DNR may permit access to the area for scientific or educational purposes, and specifically states that Appalachian may construct nature trails and boardwalks to allow public access through the wetland area. A committee, consisting of representatives from Appalachian Power and Toyota Motor Manufacturing, West Virginia (TMMWV) met to discuss constructing an educational facility on the wetlands site. The group agreed on the general scope of the project, then funded a study for recommendations on how to proceed. Marshall University led the study. The group reviewed the study, made federal and state notifications through the US Army Corps of Engineers, sought bids, and selected a contractor to construct the facility. The Wetlands of Winfield was officially completed and dedicated in 2003. In June 2005, the first WOW Factor Teachers Workshop was held. In late 2005, AEP and TMMWV met with the WV Conservation Agency and formed a partnership to promote and utilize the Wetlands of Winfield to its full potential. The WVCA will publicize the wetlands and provide instructors for the school groups who use it. WVCA instructors are certified Wonders of Wetlands instructors and have matched the lessons in the Wonders of Wetlands to the CSOs set forth for West Virginia teachers. More Information : |
In 1999, Appalachian Power entered into an agreement with the W.Va. Department of Natural Resources for a conservation easement on the property that today is known as the Wetlands of Winfield. The agreement states that the wetlands is to be preserved in perpetuity. The wetlands preservation served as mitigation for the construction of the Toyota Motor Manufacturing plant in Buffalo, W.Va. 
