CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Another member of the West Virginia Natural Resources Commission has stepped down.
District 6 Commissioner Janet Hamric-Hodge turned in her letter of resignation to DNR Director Brett McMillion last week. McMillion shared the letter at the recent Commission meeting. Hodge revealed she’s battling cancer.
Dear Director McMillion and Fellow Commissioners,
It is with a heavy heart that I submit my resignation from the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Commission, effective July 20, 2026.
Serving on this Commission has been one of the greatest honors of my life. The opportunity to help protect and preserve West Virginia’s natural resources, while representing the interests of our state’s hunters, anglers, outdoor enthusiasts, and future generations, is a responsibility I have never taken lightly. I have been grateful for the trust placed in me and for the privilege of serving alongside such dedicated individuals.
Over the past year, I have been privately battling advanced cancer. My hope was to continue serving for as long as I could, but my health has now reached the point where I can no longer give this role the time and energy it deserves. While this is not a decision I ever wanted to make, I know it is the right one.
Thank you for your friendship, support, and the opportunity to serve the people of West Virginia. I will always be grateful for this experience and for the chance to work alongside each of you.
With sincere appreciation,
Janet Hamric-Hodge
Hamrick-Hodge’s family has also formed a Go Fund Me site to help the family with steep expenses tied to her illness. Hodge is well known for our outdoors expertise. She has been heavily involved in the West Virginia Trappers Association for many years. She is an extremely effective bear hunter and a constant hiker on trails across West Virginia and beyond.
With the exception of Commissioner Jeff Bowers, Hamric-Hodge was the longest tenured member of the body. She was appointed by Governor Jim Justice.
With Hamric-Hodge’s resignation, the Commission is now down two commissioners. The District 3 Commission seat is also vacant after the resignation of Lauren Winans who went to work for the Governor’s office. Under state code, McMillion recommends people to serve on the commission or the Governor can pick his own choice to fill the vacancies.