West Virginia Code Chapter 20. Natural Resources § 20-1-12. Surveys and planning

As departmental projects or in cooperation with other governmental or private agencies, the director may organize and promote surveys and explorations relating to the State's natural resources, their utility, development and protection. The state geological and economic survey commission, the department of mines, the department of agriculture, the department of commerce and other governmental agencies and activities shall cooperate, whenever and wherever practicable to do so, with the department in its survey and exploration work.

The director shall select and designate a competent and qualified person as department surveys officer who shall be responsible for the organization, promotion and correlation of the surveys and explorations as herein provided. He shall work closely with other offices and divisions of the department in order to effect maximum development, utilization, protection and enjoyment of the State's natural resources.