West Virginia Division of Highways (WVDOH) road crews have successfully concluded the 2025-2026 canopy clearing season, removing overhanging branches from roadways across all 55 counties.
The Importance of Canopy Clearing
Canopy clearing is a vital component of the WVDOH's long-term highway maintenance strategy. By cutting back brush and branches that overhang the state's 39,000 miles of roadway, crews create safer and more durable travel routes. Key benefits include:
- Winter Safety: Eliminating shady areas allows dangerous ice to thaw more rapidly.
- Roadway Preservation: Allowing sunlight to reach the pavement helps rain dry faster in the spring, summer, and fall, which significantly prolongs the life of the asphalt and concrete.
“Water is our number one enemy. Clearing the canopy helps get that sunlight down to the roadway to dry the roadway out and allow the road to last longer.”
— Jake Bumgarner, State Highway Engineer
Environmental Protection and Federal Guidelines
By federal law, WVDOH maintenance crews are permitted to clear the canopy strictly between November 15 and March 31. This schedule is enforced to protect species like the Indiana Bat, which live in West Virginia forest trees during the warmer months. In the winter, the bats relocate to the sanctuary of caves, leaving the trees safe for trimming.
| Time Period | Acreage Limit | Permitted Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-2022 | Restricted to 140 acres annually (14 acres per district) | Nov. 15 – Mar. 31 |
| 2022 – Present | No acreage limit (districts can clear as much as possible) | Nov. 15 – Mar. 31 |
2025-2026 Season Highlights
Despite juggling their regular duties and battling several of the worst snowstorms West Virginia has seen in years, WVDOH road crews accomplished an impressive amount of work between November 15, 2025, and March 31, 2026:
- Total Acres Cleared: Over 313 acres
- Total Distance Cleared: 1,821 miles of roadway
While 313 acres may not immediately sound like a massive area, the WVDOH only clears the branches that hang directly over the road. Spread out linearly, those 313 acres translate to canopy clearing along 1,821 miles of Mountain State roadway—roughly the equivalent of flying south from Charleston to Venezuela, or driving west all the way to Nevada.
And most importantly: no bats were harmed in the process.
Accessibility Statement:
The West Virginia Department of Transportation will, upon request, provide reasonable accommodations including auxiliary aids and services necessary to afford an individual with a disability an equal opportunity to participate in our services, programs, and activities. Please contact us at (304) 558-3931. Persons with hearing or speech impairments can reach all state agencies by calling (800) 982-8772 (voice to TDD) or (800) 982-8771 (TDD to voice), toll free.
