THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, March 23, 1996 TAG: 9603230010
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 43 lines
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge is about to have a growth spurt.
Unexpected funds totaling $480,000 from the federal government will enable the refuge to buy another 286 acres of prime wildlife habitat for the park. Officials are moving to purchase a parcel of land on the northern border of the park which will bring Back Bay refuge right up to the perimeter of the Fleet Combat Training Center at Dam Neck.
This purchase is especially surprising because it comes at a time when the federal government is slashing programs to add acreage to national parks, refuges and forests.
The money originated with the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission, a government agency that distributes revenue from admission fees to refuges and from the sale of duck stamps to duck hunters. In the past the commission has given Back Bay about $3 million.
Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1938 to protect migratory birds, the wildlife habitat, wetlands and the water quality in Back Bay. Initially the refuge was located on 4,589 acres in the southeast corner of Virginia Beach, and the refuge has been steadily buying acreage over the years. With the purchase of these 286 acres, the refuge will cover almost 8,000 acres. Officials hope to purchase another 1,600 acres for conservation when money becomes available in the future.
As this quiet, protected corner of Virginia Beach expands, all residents benefit - not to mention the millions of migrating birds that visit the refuge unmolested each spring and fall. Back Bay offers a nice counterbalance to the hustle and bustle of the resort area, providing visitors with a rich, wild environment far from the summer crowds.
Back Bay officials have big plans for expansion. Unfortunately, money is short and real-estate prices continue to rise. That makes this latest contribution from the government especially welcome. by CNB