Mountaineer Chapter
About Us

What is the Mountaineer Chapter of the Izaak Walton League

Founded in 1956, the Mountaineer Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America (IWLA) is a community of more than 300 members dedicated to conserving West Virginia’s woods, waters and wildlife. From our 1,100-acre property on the headwaters of Files Creek, five miles east of Beverly, we promote outdoor recreation, habitat stewardship and youth education in the heart of Randolph County. 

Our National Roots

The IWLA, established in 1922, is one of America’s oldest conservation organizations, with around 50,000 members nationwide. Together, chapters like ours work to protect the nation’s soil, air, woods, waters and wildlife through citizen action, public education and policy advocacy. 

History

Our Chapter Timeline

Jan 9th,  1956

Local sportsmen meet at Elkins City Hall to explore starting a chapter.

April 12th, 1956

Mountaineer Chapter receives its official IWLA charter; Ephe Olliver elected first president.

Feb 6th, 1957

Incorporated in Randolph County as a nonprofit for scientific and educational purposes. 
May 16th, 1957

Deed signed for an initial 806 acres on Files Creek—bordering Monongahela National Forest and served by a public road. 

Nov 24th, 1959 

Mortgage and donated bonds ceremonially burned—our land officially debt-free.
Today

We've expanded to 1,100 acres, conserved areas, a stocked pond, youth programs, and the Rifle Range. 

History Article
On January 9, 1956 an organizational meeting was held at the Elkins City Hall to determine interest in forming an Izaak Walton League chapter.  There was much enthusiasm and interest among local sportsmen to form such a club.  After several meetings the Chapter was officially chartered on April 12, 1956.  Sidney E. Neese was the founder of the Chapter and Ephe Olliver was elected as the Chapters first President.  The fall of '56 found members looking for a permanent home for the Chapter.  A tract of 806 acres was found on Files Creek, Randolph County.  The property was only 11 miles from Elkins, a public road ran through it, about half the property is bordered by the Monongahela National Forest and good timber was on the property.  In April 1957 the club voted to accept option on the property and on May 16, 1957 the deed was signed.  The Chapter was incorporated in Randolph County on February 6, 1957, as a nonprofit corporation exclusively for scientific and educational purposes.  On November 24, 1959 the mortgage and donated bonds were burned at a dinner meeting.  The rest, as they say, is history.

What we do today

• Conservation & Stewardship – managing forest, water and wildlife habitat on 1,100 acres.

• Youth Education – With many Youth Events such as our Conservation Day, Jakes Day hosted with the NWTF and many other events.

• Outdoor Recreation – catch-and-release fishing, seasonal hunting opportunities & a member shooting range.

• Community Service – highway clean-ups, scholarship programs, and volunteer workdays that keep our chapter—and our county—thriving.

Our Guiding Mission
“To conserve, restore, and promote the sustainable use and enjoyment of our natural resources—including soil, air, woods, waters, and wildlife.”
— Izaak Walton League of America

Join the Mountaineer Chapter Today

Whether you’re a hunter, angler, hiker, or simply care about West Virginia’s wild heritage, there’s a place for you in the Mountaineer Chapter. Explore membership options, attend an event, or volunteer with one of our youth programs to make a lasting impact.