The Norfolk District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is developing a Navigation Plan to reduce the impacts of boating activity on sensitive wildlife, waterfowl and vegetation within the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge. In the long-term, the intent is to develop a plan for the area that enables the public to utilize the waters of the Back Bay while protecting the resources of the area.

To address immediate concerns while a longer-term plan is being developed, the Commander of the Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, issued a temporary navigation order on June 16, 2006. That order is designed to protect the fragile surrounds and nesting areas that lie within the proclamation boundary of the Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, located south of the Sandbridge area of Virginia Beach. The order establishes "buffer zones" around the Refuge, and restricts vessels of any type from operating at a speed that creates a wake within 150 yards of the Refuge's shoreline. It also restricts vessels from entering the interior waters located within Back Bay's Ragged Island. The order is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until Dec. 31, 2007 unless changes or formal regulations are developed.

NOTE: The wake restrictions imposed by the temporary order do not impact vessels operating within the Great Narrows Channel while transiting to or from Shipps Bay and Redhead Bay; there are no such restrictions within that channel.

The restrictions within the buffer zones will limit disturbance to sensitive nesting waterfowl, reduce erosion of the shoreline, reduce destruction of submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) beds and protect boaters in canoes and kayaks from being capsized by wakes from faster moving motorized watercraft. Restricting access to the interior of Ragged Island will reduce the potential for disturbance of nesting waterfowl that use that area. This plan is in compliance with the management goals of the Refuge as well as on-going research and restoration programs.

Comments on the project must be in writing and may be sent to Richard.E.Henderson@nao02.usace.army.mil or via postal mail to Mr. Rick Henderson; Norfolk District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; 803 Front Street; Norfolk, VA 23510. Click here to e-mail a comment/quesiton.