A national wildlife reserve at the southernmost tip of Virginia’s Eastern Shore has never been open to the public because it is home to such fragile plant and animal species. But that could be changing, under a proposal by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Fisherman Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) could soon allow “environmental education and interpretation, and wildlife observation and photography” as long as they do not compromise the mission and operations of the national wildlife refuge. A public comment period is open (online or by mail) now through Friday, June 20.
The 2,000-acre island is one of Virginia’s barrier islands, and they are among only 17 sites in the United States classified as a “Wetland of International Importance”. An impressive list of birds of concern breed, migrate, or spend winter on Fisherman Island, including fall migratory landbirds, the American woodcock, Prairie warbler, Piping plover, staging terns, American oystercatcher, migrating shorebirds, Seaside sparrow, Saltmarsh sparrow, American black duck, Clapper rail, and Eastern meadowlark. Read our story on visiting Fisherman Island for an in-depth look:
Until now, the NWR has been closed to all public access to protect these “sensitive species and habitats”, with the exception of guided walking tours, limited to Saturday from October through February so as not to disturb breeding season. Reservations for these tours are made through Eastern Shore of Virginia National Wildlife Refuge and will open on September 1st. The tour introduces visitors to the unique variety of wildlife found on the island. As you pass through several habitats, you will learn about wildlife management on refuges, explore the diversity of wildlife, and discover the rich history of Fisherman’s Island and the role it played during World War II.
Under the new proposal, NWR staff and volunteers would hold environmental education programs for small groups like schoolchildren, Scouts, youth groups, and nature-based groups. They could including field trips and birdwatching outings. There would also be displays and interpretive signs at the refuge.
The proposal would also allow the public to photograph or view fish, wildlife, plants, natural habitats or cultural resources. It would not allow drone, commercial, news or education photography. You can read more of the proposal here.
Comments or requests for additional information may be made by email to [email protected] or U.S. Mail to 5003 Hallett Circle, Cape Charles, VA. 23310, Attn: Refuge Manager.
