Presquile NWR Comprehensive Conservation Planning

On the James River, heading for Presquile NWR (Photo: Lori A.)

It has become a 'regular' spring work trip to help Cyrus B. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) at the James River National Wildlife Refuge and sometimes, we've had the special treat of going to the Presquile National Wildlife Refuge.  Presquile is an island which means we have the added adventure of a boat ride to get there along with all of the sights along and on the James River (eagles, ospreys, big cargo boats, etc.) and we've done some interesting projects on Presquile: cutting up and hauling away piles of massive old tree debris, taking down large sections of woven wire fencing & jacking the metal posts out of the ground and planting a 100 trees in three hours with the help of other volunteers and a Girl Scout group. Cyrus provides lunch, often manning a grill himself, and every trip to Presquile has been "a good day", both from a work/volunteer standpoint and as an enjoyable 'something different' from our regular work trips in the mountains. (Note: will post pictures of the above work trips/activities on a future post!)


Those of you who have participated on work trips or other volunteer opportunities on Presquile might be interested to know that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is currently developing a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for Presquile National Wildlife Refuge (NWR).  From their website:

CCPs are 15-year plans designed to provide strategic management direction that best achieves the Refuge's purposes; attains the vision and goals developed for the Refuge; contributes to the National Wildlife Refuge System mission; addresses key challenges, issues and relevant mandates; and, is consistent with sound principles of fish and wildlife management.

We are pleased to announce the release of a draft comprehensive conservation plan and environmental assessment (EA) for Presquile NWR for public comment through September 7, 2012. The draft CCP/EA presents two alternatives for managing Presquile NWR. The Service’s preferred alternative (alternative B) emphasizes managing refuge habitats to benefit species of conservation concern in the region and enhancing public use opportunities. 

We will accept comments on the draft CCP/EA through September 7, 2012, including letters, faxes, emails, and phone calls. To submit comments, request the plan in hard copy or on CD-ROM, or obtain additional information, contact Meghan Carfioli, Natural Resource Planner, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; mailing address: 11116 Kimages Rd, Charles City, VA 23030; phone (804) 829-5413; fax (804) 829-9606; email: EasternVirginiaRiversNWRC@fws.gov (please put “Presquile CCP” in the subject line).

To view Presquile NWR’s draft CCP/EA, to download the latest Presquile NWR Planning Newsletter and for other information about the process, please go to the website:

Presquile NWR Comprehensive Conservation Planning