SENATE Concurrent RESOLUTION 9

(By Senators Maynard and Plymale)

[Introduced February 07, 2023]

Declaring the Guyandotte River Crayfish (Cambarus veteranus) the official crustacean for the State of West Virginia.

Whereas, The Guyandotte River Crayfish is a crustacean that currently resides in only two stream systems of Wyoming County; and

Whereas, The Guyandotte River Crayfish once flourished in this state and existed throughout the waterways of West Virginia, specifically Wyoming, Mingo, and Logan Counties; and

Whereas, The Guyandotte River Crayfish is currently listed as "endangered" under the Endangered Species Act; and

Whereas, The United States Fish and Wildlife Service designated several streams in the Guyandotte River watershed as critical habitats for the Guyandotte River Crayfish; and

Whereas, Many West Virginians have fond memories of chasing both the Guyandotte River Crayfish, Big Sandy Crayfish, as well as many others through the many streams, rivers, and waterways of West Virginia; and

Whereas, A designation as the State Crustacean of West Virginia will bring recognition, awareness, and action in the fight to preserve this uniquely West Virginian species; and

Whereas, All West Virginian people should have the opportunity to engage in the natural beauty and wonder of West Virginia, of which the Guyandotte River Crayfish is a small, but important part; therefore, be it

Resolved by the Legislature of West Virginia:

That the Legislature hereby recognizes the Guyandotte River Crayfish as the State of West Virginia's official State Crustacean; and, be it

Further Resolved, That all citizens of West Virginia will continue to have the opportunity to spend hot, summer afternoons splashing in creeks and streams trying to catch a glimpse of this beautiful animal; and, be it

Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the Senate is hereby directed to forward copies of this resolution to the Department of Environmental Protection of West Virginia.