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Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 25, 2021
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov

Virginia State Park names new manager for Wilderness Road

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: New Wilderness Road State Park Manager Bill Heck)

RICHMOND – Bill Heck has been named the new park manager of Wilderness Road State Park in Ewing.

Heck is not new to the Virginia State Park system, having served as the interim park manager since October 2019. He has worked for Virginia State Parks, at Wilderness Road State Park, for over 20 years.

"I am thrilled to have Bill Heck in the leadership position at Wilderness Road State Park,” said Southwest Region Manager Sharon Buchanan. “In his over 20-year career with Virginia State Parks, he has been the backbone of helping to build that park from the ground up. Bill has developed outreach on behalf of the agency and the park that has spanned far and wide, and he is recognized within the 18th-century reenacting community as one of the country’s innovators with extensive expertise in the topic."

As park manager, Heck will oversee staff, operations and expenditures providing for programs and services to ensure visitor expectations are met and the natural and cultural resources at the park are protected for future generations.

Heck says his love for living history is what brought him to the park, and what has kept him there as well. He was an integral part of the historically correct reconstruction of Martin’s Station as it was in 1775.

“My dream came true when the reconstruction was completed on the 18th-century Martin’s Station,” Heck said. “I hope that visitors can see the passion my team and I have for the park and enjoy the unique location in the shadows of the Cumberland Mountains.”

He started his duties on Jan. 5 and his immediate plans include making much needed repairs at Martin’s Station and the Karlan Mansion.

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Virginia State Parks are managed by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation. For more information about Virginia State Parks’ activities and amenities or to reserve one of the more than 1,800 campsites or 300 climate-controlled cabins, call the Virginia State Parks Reservation Center at 800-933-PARK or visit www.virginiastateparks.gov.

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