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Wildlife Conservation Exhibit at Stonewall Resort State Park Opens in Conjunction with National Hunting & Fishing Days This Weekend

Stonewall Resort www.StonewallResort.com Contact: Bryan Brown Brown Communications LLC FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (304) 546-5500

Wildlife Conservation Exhibit at Stonewall Resort State Park Opens in Conjunction with National Hunting & Fishing Days This Weekend Includes Lion, Brown Bear and one of the largest Polar Bears on record Weston, WV (September 26, 2014) – The Stonewall State Park Foundation is excited to introduce the “West Virginia Wildlife Conservation Exhibit: A Nature Experience.” The debut of the exhibit was timed to open in conjunction with the National Hunting & Fishing Days event, taking place this weekend at Stonewall Resort State Park. The new collection from Robert Delaney includes pieces from all around the world that were taken by bow. Robert Delaney’s collection expands on a previous display of fellow hunting enthusiasts Carl Burgreen and Mr. Michael Hager. This self-guided tour is located in the Stonewall Resort State Park Headquarters and is open to the public. Some pieces that you don’t want to miss seeing include a male lion, cape buffalo, Alaskan brown bear, and the world’s 5th largest polar bear taken on record. Mr. Delaney, will be on site and in the exhibit throughout the weekend. This exhibit is designed to educate the public about the diverse wildlife populations around the world and the management practices found in various regions. You will also learn about the role of the hunter to preserve this sport through conservation practices, education, and funding. Enter into the exhibit and experience the precision, passion and physical strength these hunters embody. All animals were taken under “fair chase.” Simply defined, “fair chase” is the ethical and lawful pursuit of free-ranging wild game animals in a manner that does not give the hunter an unfair advantage over the animal. In West Virginia (and all states) a large majority of funds used for wildlife management come from hunting license sales and federal excise taxes on hunting equipment. The federal tax spent by hunters brings West Virginia around $4 million a year, while West Virginia hunter license sales are $12 million. By law, all these funds can only be used for wildlife management. Thus, hunters are the main reason that we have great wildlife in America. Donations are accepted (a $1 donation suggested). For more information on this exhibit contact Samantha Norris, Stonewall State Park Foundation at (304)269-8820. About Stonewall State Park Foundation The mission and primary purpose of the Stonewall State Park Foundation is to ensure the viability and future development of Stonewall Resort State Park. The Foundation aims to create a sustainable legacy for future generations of park visitors in the areas of education, recreation and preservation. The Stonewall State Park Foundation is a 501 ( c ) (3) organization and all donations to the Foundation can be qualified as tax deductible. About Stonewall Resort The Four Diamond-rated Stonewall Resort (www.stonewallresort.com) is a 201-guestroom property with a lakeside lodge and lakeside cottages, a conference center, restaurants, complete fitness center and swimming pool, spa and an 18-hole Arnold Palmer Signature Golf Course. The resort is located at Stonewall Resort State Park near Weston, West Virginia. Stonewall Resort is a joint private/public development between MHLP, Inc. and the West Virginia Department of Natural Resources. Benchmark Resorts & Hotels® operates Stonewall Resort. About Benchmark Resorts & Hotels® Benchmark Resorts & Hotels® represents the finest in lodging, dining, recreational and meeting accommodations. Many are certified by the International Association of Conference Centers, the leading professional organization governing the multi-billion dollar conference center industry on five continents, and many have also been recognized with the coveted Benchmark Conference Centers® certification of meeting excellence. Benchmark Resorts & Hotels deliver highly specialized service that anticipates guests’ needs and ensures a hospitality experience unsurpassed and long remembered. www.benchmarkresortsandhotels.com. To become a fan on Facebook, visit www.facebook.com/BenchmarkResortsandHotels, or follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/BenchmarkHotels. # End #