C. Review Vision Statement and Goals and Determine Significant Issues (In Progess)

Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck

Draft Refuge Vision Statement

Part of the Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge Complex, the Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge, founded to protect the bald eagle, exemplifies the significant contributions and successes of conservationists. We will continue to protect or enhance refuge habitats for bald eagles, migratory birds, and native species of wildlife and plants, and will provide opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation and education. We will cooperate with the other agencies in the area to resolve resource issues on the Mason Neck peninsula and provide opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation and education.

Draft Refuge Goals

Goal 1. Manage to enhance forest and wetland habitats to support a diversity of native plants and animals with priority given to bald eagles and other Federal trust resources.

Goal 2.  Enhance quality, compatible wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities with particular emphasis on interpretation and wildlife observation.

Goal 3.:  Enhance efforts to promote awareness, understanding and support of the values of the refuge and the resources of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

Featherstone NWR

Draft Refuge Vision Statement

Part of the Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge Complex, the Featherstone National Wildlife Refuge contains valuable acres of wild woods and wetlands, which are rapidly disappearing in this region of Virginia. We will continue to protect those wetlands, bottomland hardwoods, and wildlife associated with them. Isolated by commercial and residential development, the refuge lacks public access. Nevertheless, given the opportunity, we would provide limited opportunities for wildlife-dependent recreation.

Draft Refuge Goals

Goal 1.  Manage to enhance forest and wetland habitats to support a diversity of native plants and animals.

Goal 2.  Provide limited quality, compatible wildlife-dependent recreational opportunities.

Goal 3.  Promote awareness, understanding and support of the values of the refuge and the resources of the Chesapeake Bay watershed, and the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System.