Westmoreland County Wetlands Board meeting
The next meeting of the county's wetlands board is Monday, January 23, 1:30 pm. The meeting will be held at George D. English, Sr. Memorial Building, Montross. Get the meeting deets.
Comment on Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge proposal by Jan. 29
The US Fish and Wildlife Service is accepting comments on the proposed opening of the new Cat Point Creek Unit in the Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Comments are also sought on the proposed transfer of a building to the federally-recognized “Rappahannock Tribe for outreach, environmental education, and interpretation.”
According to Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge:
Acquired in 2017, the 243-acre Cat Point Creek Unit will expand recreational access for the public at the Refuge, a priority for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The area, which has undergone extensive ecological restoration over the past four years, will offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating (non-motorized), hunting, wildlife photography, environmental education, and interpretation.
The Refuge is also proposing to transfer a building, known as the “Lodge,” to the federally recognized Rappahannock Tribe for use in outreach, environmental education, and interpretation.
The public is invited to comment on the EA for the Cat Point Creek Unit and to evaluate the transfer of the main building (the Lodge) to the Rappahannock Tribe. By expanding opportunities for recreation and outreach through partnership, we are enhancing conservation benefits for the American public.
You can access the Environmental Assessment at https://www.fws.gov/media/cat-point-creek-unit-rappahannock-river-valley-national-wildlife-refuge-public-opening.
Northern Neck Master Gardeners’ 2023 theme: “In Your Own Backyard”
“In Your Own Backyard” takes place Saturday, March 25, 2023 at the White Stone Church of the Nazarene (57 Whisk Dr., White Stone). Speakers will be Heather Holm, a biologist, pollinator conservationist, and award-winning author; Barbara Pleasant, an avid gardener and award winning author; and Edward Olsen, Virginia Cooperative Extension Horticulture agent for Henrico County.
The cost is $50 and lunches will be available for an addition fee. Registration and more information will be available on February 1, 2023 at www.nnmg.org.
Learn more about the speakers.
National Prescription Take Back Day
Sheriffs’ offices across the Northern Neck will again participate in National Prescription Take Back Day, Saturday, April 29 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Unused, unwanted, and expired drugs are bad for people and the environment. When prescription drugs are flushed down toilets or poured down drains, they contaminate the water supply. To prepare for Take Back Day, 1) mark your calendar and 2) inventory meds and identify which are unwanted and/or have expired dates and label each indicating they are to be disposed of in April.
Drugs and materials not accepted at the event are liquids and sharps (needles).
2022 State of the Bay Report
A D+. That's the overall score. A barely-passing grade. And the same grade as in 2021.
Writes the Chesapeake Bay Foundation:
The Chesapeake Bay watershed weaves together rivers, streams, and communities across 64,000 square miles. More than 18 million of us, along with 3,600 species of plants and animals, call it home. Our biennial State of the Bay report shows there is still a long way to go to create a watershed that works for all of us.
In 2022, the State of the Bay score remained unchanged at 32, a D+. Of the 13 indicators assessed, three improved and three declined. A big gain for oysters was tempered by a worrying drop for blue crabs, while pollution and habitat indicators showed only modest change.
These mixed results reflect the struggle between restoration efforts and powerful forces that are reshaping the watershed.
Read the report. Find ways to make improvements.
Explore the Potomac River
The Chesapeake Conservancy's Potomac River shows the nation's river top to bottom, west to east and back again.
