Daffny
Thjanks. It would help if you made clear what constitutes a group? I
assume, for example, that if I go to Occoquan Bay NWR with my wife and
2 daughters, we are not a group. On the other hand, I understand that
an organized trip by the NVBC is a group. But what about something in
between, such as if my family is joined by another family? I imagine
we all could use at least some general guidance on that point.
Thanks,
Eric Jeffrey
-----Original Message-----
From: Daffny_Jones@xxxxxxx
To: va-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Cc: Marty_McClevey@xxxxxxx; Greg_Weiler@xxxxxxx
Sent: Fri, 24 Mar 2006 10:06:31 -0500
Subject: [va-bird] New Fee System at Occoquan Bay NWR
Hello All,
My name is Daffny Jones. I am the Assistant Manager at the Potomac
River
National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) Complex. The refuges I assist in
managing
are Occoquan Bay NWR, Mason Neck NWR, and Featherstone NWR. I wanted to
touch base with you all about the new fee system at the Occoquan Bay
NWR.
I know it has brought up many concerns and I would like to take the
time to
explain why it has come about and how in turn you help the complex when
you
honor it.
The Potomac River NWR Complex was approved to charge fees when Occoquan
Bay
NWR was established in 1998. Since then, the complex has worked towards
implementation and developing the guidelines we will use to charge
groups,
individuals, and the like. The implementation finally came about as of
February 1, 2006. The new recreation fee program will be used
primarily
for the Potomac River NWR Complex to improve visitor access, enhance
public
safety and security, address backlogged maintenance needs, enhance
resource
protection, and cover the costs of collection. 80% of the fees
collected
at the complex will be used for the complex, the other 20% will be
submitted to a regional fund and distributed to the remainder of refuges
within Region 5 as need arises.
Individuals who visit the Occoquan Bay can utilize several options to
contribute to the complex through fees. There is a daily fee of $2 per
vehicle and a $10 annual pass. There are other options available. If
you
would like to know about these other options, please just send a email
or
give me a call.
The reason I am sending an email to this list serve is so that you all
may
get the word out about group visit requirements. Anytime a group
schedules
a trip out to the refuge, that group has to apply for a Special Use
Permit.
The permit ensures that the refuge is aware of organized visits, it
allows
us to better schedule the visits and increases coordination efforts
between
the refuge and all interested parties. The Special Use Permit has an
annual fee of $20 and describes to you what information you should know
and
informs you of the information we need to know about your visit. Any
birding group who has scheduled birding walks on Occoquan Bay NWR and
Mason
Neck NWR will require a Special Use Permit.
I realize that the fees haven't been charged in years past and that the
fees may be viewed as a deterrent to some. My hope is that all
interested
parties will come to understand how the fees can assist us at the
complex
to protect, enhance, and conserve the resources we all have come to love
and enjoy.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to
contact me
via email or by phone. Thank you in advance for all your assistance and
cooperation.
Daffny C. Jones
Assistant Manager
Potomac River NWR Complex
14344 Jefferson Davis Hwy
Woodbridge, VA 22191
(703)490-4979
(703)490-5631 [Fax]
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