West Virginia's original forests were some of the best hardwood forests in the country, but they were heavily cut down between 1870 and 1920. This caused fires, soil erosion, and flooding, particularly in 1907, which caused major damage. In response, the government started protecting these lands, with the Monongahela National Forest established in 1920. Over time, the focus expanded to include timber production. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps worked on improving these lands by planting trees, building roads, and fighting fires.

Early overhunting had also severely affected wildlife. By 1900, deer, turkey, and bears were nearly gone. However, restoration programs starting in 1933 helped bring back deer, wild turkeys, black bears, and beavers. Wildlife conservation laws began as early as 1869, and over time, the state's wildlife management improved. Today, the state has strong conservation programs supported by both government and environmental groups, with a focus on protecting and restoring habitats. The state's natural beauty also supports its tourism industry.