Public Lands Day BBNWR

[Dixie719]

Feel free to come on out and help on Saturday, 9/29 at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, we could use all the help we can get!!!

Here's the Press Release:

PRESS RELEASE

September 20, 2007 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: WaltTegge 757-721-2412

BACK BAY REFUGE TO HOST PUBLIC LANDS DAY EVENTS


Virginia Beach, Virginia -- The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be holding two events as a part of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge’s Public Lands Day celebration on Saturday, September 29.

The first event, a Refuge beach and trails cleanup, will take place from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Groups or individuals interested in participating in the cleanup should sign up in advance by calling the Refuge at 757-721-2412. Those under 18 will need written parental permission. Volunteers should meet at the Refuge Visitor Contact Station at 8:45 a.m. on the morning of the event. Sturdy shoes, work gloves and long pants are recommended. Drinking water, insect repellent, and sun screen are also advisable. This is a great opportunity to help protect Back Bay, and to appreciate the wildlife values and natural beauty of Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

The second event is an introductory surf fishing workshop, for those interested in learning the basics of ocean surfcasting. Classroom instruction will be followed by a hands-on surf fishing lesson provided by members of Virginia Coastal Access Now. Loaner rods and bait/lures will be provided. The workshop will begin at Refuge headquarter at 2:00 p.m., with fishing to follow. The class is limited to 20 participants. Advance reservations are required, and can be had by calling the Refuge at 757-721-2412. A Virginia saltwater fishing license, or proof of exemption from same, is required.

As a part of this National Public Lands Day celebration, The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will also waive the usual entrance fee for all Refuge visitors on September 29.

The Refuge is located in the Sandbridge area of southern Virginia Beach, and is open from dawn to dusk daily.


- - FWS --