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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: December 13, 2024
Contact: Starr Anderson, Public Relations and Marketing Specialist, 540-460-1540, starr.anderson@dcr.virginia.gov

Wilderness Road State Park names new park manager

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

(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Casey McClure)

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

EWING, Va. – Wilderness Road State Park is pleased to announce the appointment of Casey McClure as the new park manager. He succeeds Billy Heck, who worked at the park for more than 20 years and served as park manager since 2019.

From southeastern Kentucky, McClure’s public service career began in 2007 at Kentucky State Parks, where he served as a ranger and later interim park manager at William Whitley House. McClure then transitioned to law enforcement, working as a deputy sheriff before moving to Transylvania University. There, he worked as a patrol officer, field training officer, and lieutenant and was eventually named the chief of police and director of public safety.

McClure holds a bachelor’s in human services and a master’s in justice administration from the University of the Cumberlands. He’s the recipient of the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association Leadership Trilogy Award and the Life-Saving Award.

McClure’s relationship with Wilderness Road State Park started nearly 20 years ago as an 18th-century re-enactor at Martin’s Station, the park’s outdoor living history museum depicting life on Virginia's 1775 frontier.

"It is an honor to be selected to serve as the next park manager of Wilderness Road State Park,” said McClure. “I desire to build upon the foundation that has already been set by the staff and retiring Park Manager Billy Heck, and I am excited to be the next caretaker of this treasured park.”

As park manager, McClure will be responsible for daily operations, managing all staff, budgets, participating in community engagement activities and directing the park’s many programs.

"We are thrilled to welcome Casey as the new park manager of Wilderness Road State Park," said Virginia State Parks Southwest Region Manager Sharon Buchanan. "With his extensive experience and passion for preserving natural and historical heritage, Wilderness Road will continue to flourish under his leadership, providing an exceptional experience for all visitors and strengthening our connection to this remarkable landscape and its storied past."

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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 virginiastateparks.gov.

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