News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OCTOBER 20, 2003

CALDWELL (757)721-2412
JONES (757)721-2412
BARBOUR (757)426-7128

REFUGE AND STATE PARK ANNOUNCES
ANNUAL INTERIOR DIKE TRAIL CLOSURE

Virginia Beach, VA--On November 1, 2003, Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge will close its interior dike trail to hikers and bikers. The interior dike trail, leading through the Refuge to neighboring False Cape State Park, will reopen April 1, 2004. The annual dike trail closure is necessary to provide undisturbed habitat for migratory birds as they feed and rest during the winter months. During this time no fees will be charged to enter the Refuge (November 1, 2003 until March 31, 2004).
The entire four miles of Refuge beach, as well as the Seaside, Bay, Kuralt, and Dune trails, (all located near the Visitor Contact Station) will remain open to the public for wildlife oriented activities from sunrise to sunset. Wildlife oriented activities include surf fishing, shell collecting, photography, and wildlife observation. Walking and biking access to False Cape State Park will continue along the beach front. The Contact Station will maintain its regular operating schedule (M-F 8am-4pm, Sat. & Sun. 9am-4pm) through October. The Contact Station will be closed on Saturdays from November through March.

Back Bay Refuge will coordinate limited tram tours during the dike trail closures. False Cape State Park will coordinate limited bus tours for visitors during the dike trail closure. False Cape State Park officials will coordinate transportation access for educational and other authorized group visits to the False Cape State Park.

For further information on Refuge activities, please call (757) 721-2412.

- FWS -