(WAVY Photo – Jimmy LaRue)
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Could Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge host competitive running and bike races?
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is now offering compatibility that allows for competitive running races, bike races, and birding cups (the latter meaning people competing to hear or see more birds). Comments are being accepted on the sex determination draft. Species for a specific period.
In a Facebook post, the conservancy said it is proposing opening up to these events “if these activities do not undermine the mission and operations of the National Wildlife Refuge.”
The report said suitability determinations “do not cover noncompetitive commercial activities, such as guided tours, rentals, and transportation services that enter shelters organized by third parties for profit.”
He said bike events could include both manual and electric bikes.
Events are only permitted in certain areas of the Refuge that are open to the public, including entrance roads, parking lots, beaches (excluding North Mile), trails, and canoe/kayak launching facilities as access points. He also said that no competitive sporting events would be held at the Black Gut inside the evacuation center.
Activities will be prohibited in areas and times when evacuation centers are not open to the public, and running and cycling events will only be allowed from November 1 to March 31. Other periods will not be considered. Determining compatibility due to impact on other users and natural resources.
Birdwatching Cups may be held throughout the year, except on the East or West Levees during the refuge’s seasonal closure from November 1st to April 30th.
The reserve has restrictions on all types of events, including four Bird Watching Cups per year with a maximum of 35 participants, two competitive running races and two competitive bicycle races; It will be limited to a maximum of 50 people. Number of special use permits issued.
False Cape State Park is authorized to host competitive sporting events by virtue of a 1996 Memorandum of Understanding in which the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed to support the park’s mission and objectives to the extent permitted by the purposes of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. will be considered on a priority basis.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering opening the refuge to competitive events because such use “could provide a sense of connection to natural resources and responsibility for the refuge system.” ing.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will accept comments received or postmarked by Jan. 16.
If you would like to comment or request more information, please email backbaynwr@fws.gov or write to Refuge Manager, 1324 Sandbridge Road, Virginia Beach, VA 23456, Attn. .
The draft compatibility decision can be found below.