Occoquan Bay

Occoquan Bay NWR https://www.fws.gov/refuge/occoquan_bay https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occoquan_Bay_National_Wildlife_Refuge The Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located where the Occoquan River meets the Potomac River in Woodbridge, Virginia. Approximately four miles (6.4 km) of old patrol roads are reserved for foot traffic, rotating between three two-mile (3.2 km) loops. Information is posted at the visitor contact station and at trail heads. Wildlife Drive also contains two miles (3.2 km) of old patrol roads reserved for motor vehicle and bicycle access. Vehicles can serve as a mobile blind, allowing visitors closer views; the blind effect is also why drivers and passengers must stay in their vehicles while on the drive.

Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck, Occoquan Bay and Featherstone National Wildlife Refuges are all managed under the Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge is located at 14050 Dawson Beach Road Woodbridge, VA 22191 For further information, contact: Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge Complex Headquarters Office 12638 Darby Brooke Court Woodbridge, VA 22192 703/490 4979 E-mail: potomacriverrefuges@fws.gov Website: www.fws.gov/refuge/occoquan_bay/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/occoquanbay/ Federal Relay Service for the deaf and hard-of-hearing 1 800/877 8339 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 1 800/344 WILD June 2018 Eastern Towhee ©Cindy Kreticos U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge Welcome Bill Wallen This goose, designed by J.N. “Ding” Darling, has become the symbol of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Male Northern cardinal December sunset Bill Wallen Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge is an oasis where both migrating birds and busy city residents seek a quiet escape from development. Visitors share this feeling of peace as they hike trails and watch wildlife drawn to this sanctuary in an urban setting. The Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge provides 642 acres of unparalleled habitat for migrating songbirds, raptors and waterfowl. The vast man-made meadows and freshwater tidal marshes play a vital role in preserving the diversity of plant and animal life in the heavily populated region of northern Virginia. This unique landscape is part of the National Wildlife Refuge System and has been recognized as an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society for its significance in providing essential habitat for birds. Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge is one of more than 560 refuges in the National Wildlife Refuge System administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, a federal agency. The National Wildlife Refuge System is a network of lands and waters managed specifically for the protection of wildlife and wildlife habitat for the continuing benefit of the American people. It represents the most comprehensive wildlife resource management program in the world. The Service also manages national fish hatcheries and provides leadership in habitat protection, fish and wildlife research technical assistance, and the conservation and protection of migratory birds, certain marine mammals and threatened and endangered species. History Visitor Opportunities When John Smith explored the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries, he found a well established Dogue Indian village at the Occoquan River’s mouth. Floods, fire, and farming kept the vegetation low or in early succession, creating meadows and open areas. The Army obtained the site in 1950 for a radio transmitting station, and fields of antennas replaced cows and crops. In the 1970’s, the base’s mission shifted to electromagnetic pulse testing. Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge was established in June 1998, to protect habitat for upland nesting birds, migrating wildlife, habitat diversity and environmental education. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service continues to preserve these grasslands that nurtured wildlife for so long. n n W  ildlife and Habitat Viewing A network of roads from the site’s military days forms the basis for trails and a wildlife drive. Approximately 4 miles of gravel roads are reserved for foot traffic only. The wildlife drive is a one way, 2-mile loop. The wildlife drive and trails are subject to seasonal closures to minimize stress on nesting and breeding wildlife or to facilitate land management activities. Interpretation - Use our interpretative kiosks and information booths to choose a refuge trail or route to explore. Interpretive sites include the Main Parking Lot Pavilion featuring six interpretive panels and an audio tour trail where visitors can learn about Occoquan Bay’s history, wildlife, ecosystems, E S T g W refuge activities, and maintenance projects. To access the audio tour, download the free UniGuide app to your phone or computer, search for Occoquan Bay refuge; then choose to either download the audio and listen offline, or just hit play and listen. Nine listening locations are marked with throughout the refuge. More information can be found at the main parking lot kiosk. n  nvironmental Education E The refuge features several environmental education sites including two outdoor pavilions, a 2.7 acre pond with a dock and ramp, and a floating boardwalk in a freshwater marsh. Environmental education activities are primarily self-guided field trips exploring topics prepared by the teacher. Interested educational groups or institutions are required to obtain a Special Use Permit to gain refuge access for their program (refer to permit section). n  hotography - Wildlife photography P is an increasingly popular activity. Visit the refuge photo blinds situated at the parking lot, Marumsco Creek, or the observation platform near t

lffillsl wl*H#l Occoquan Bay Wildlife R efug e Visitor Information I,{ ational The refuge is open seven days a week: April through September ? AM to 7 PM, October through March 7 AM to 5 PM. Entranc6 Fee Required. PlLase consultlhe fee schedule at the entry gate to determine the appropriate pa5nnent. Your entry fees provide and enhance visitor services. Enioy Your Refuge Summers are normally hot and humid with biting insects. This is an excellent time to view wildflowers and dragonflies. Wearwide brimmed hats and light colored clothing. Use repellants. Check for ticks! Fall and Spring are mild and pleasant. Migrating birds flood through the refuge affording exceptional and challenging bird watching opportunities. Winters are mild with occasional cold, blustery winds across the meadows and off the river. m Over four miles of gravel nrads serve as fuails and afford easy casual walking opporhmities. To avoid encounters with iffitating plarts andinsects, pleasewalkwithin the mowed or cleared hzcks of the gravel roads. Protect Your Refuge Picnicking is not allowed. You may not bring a dog or other pet into the refuge even if left in the vehicle. Guide and service dogs are permitted. f:'-=1 llf;il (::::2:, Our wildlife drive is a convenient means of touring a portion of the refuge by auto, motorcycle or bicycle. Please stay in or on your vehicle while traveling the drive and do not block the roadway. tool Bicycles are allowed only on the entry road and wildlife drive. A bike rack is available at the central parking lot '@, Jogging is not permitted on the refuge. Hunting and flshing are not permitted Q,Ol AII visitors must remain on the gravel roads and designated trails. Wandering into the meadows is not permitted. on the refuge except at certain managed events. l-ffiil I l rrcm- .1 l"o I SlGt l€l ? @ Area Closed signs mark additional areas closed to visitors to protect wildlife and plantlife. l I Do not collect or remove any natural or cultural objects including flowers, arrowheads, wood, rocks, feathers or bones. ,::::":: I Parking is permitted only at the central parking lot and Visitor Contact Station. E@ Wildlife viewing and photography are very popular activities on the refuge. TWo observation platforms are located less than a mile from the central parking lot. a^--l Ball playing, kite flying and other games are not permitted on the refuge. Do not feed, disturb, capture or release any wildlife. The use of mechanical or electronic devices to lure or attract wildlife is prohibited. Heed immediate help? Dial 911- 0ccoquan Bay NationalWildlife Refuge located at I4050 Dawson Beach Boad, Woodbridge, VA. Want to report a violation or have a que$tion? Dial 703/490 {979 For more information, consutt the refuge brochure or visit our Web site at: www.fws.gov/occoquanbayfi ndex.html ,i$t teged tE witdtite photos,aplty EI e,*i,s El ffi ....... r'm' Irlrr @ ffi obseilarion Pladom Envionmental Eduetim V_elicle Tntfi c-O-nly. (tsrf,6 arc Yehrcl6) FootTralfic only Vehicle & FootTlalfic rorora March Taylor Point 

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge 2020 Big Game Hunting We allow hunting on the refuge in accordance with State regulations subject to certain conditions: Please refer to the Commonwealth of Virginia Hunting Regulations for clothing requirements, license requirements, and other information. Visit the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources web page: dwr.virginia.gov/hunting/ Firearm Qualification Hunters are required to qualify firearms and ammunition on an approved range PRIOR to their scheduled hunt dates. Qualification cards, standards, and a list of participating ranges are available at https://potomacriverrefugehunts.recaccess.com. Print and bring a copy of the card to the range. Scout Dates: November 1st and 8th, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Hunt Dates: November 19th and December 3rd Reminders • Hunters must possess a valid Virginia hunting license, big game tags, refuge permit, and qualification card. Refuge permits must be visible in the windshield on hunt and scout days. Carry licenses and qualification cards in the field. • All persons on refuge or park lands during hunts must possess a valid hunt permit or be a pre-authorized aide. • Hunters may only use or possess firearms and ammunition listed on their qualification card. • Firearms must be unloaded and cased or broken down, except when in assigned hunt area. • Shotgun and slugs only; buckshot prohibited • We prohibit the use of dogs to hunt or pursue game. • Hunters must remove all hunting equipment from the refuge at the end of each day’s hunt • We prohibit organized deer drives • Participants must hunt from an elevated position and place stands within 250 ft. of their designated hunt point. • Permitted Hunter Check In: 5:30 a.m. – 6:00 a.m. • Standby Hunters admitted from 6:00 – 6:15 a.m. • Hunting ends at noon; • Hunters check out by 1:00 p.m. • Antlered and antlerless white-tailed deer may be harvested • Limit of one antlered deer per permit purchased. • DMAP tags provided on site for anterless deer harvest • All harvest deer must be reported to the check station Lottery Visit The RecAccess webpage to enter the deer hunt lottery at https://potomacriverrefugehunts.recaccess.com. Application fees are nonrefundable and $10 for the general public and $5 for Federal Senior and Access Pass holders, plus a $5 processing fee. The application deadline is Sunday, September 13th. Lottery results will be emailed Tuesday, September 22nd. Remember to check your spam folders! Hunter status may be viewed at the RecAccess webpage. Sign in, click “draw results” and use your RAID number to view lottery results. Orientation Selected hunters must complete the orientation requirements to unlock, purchase, and print assigned hunt permits. View the 2020 Occoquan Bay NWR Hunt Orientation video and test at https://potomacriverrefugehunts.recaccess.com. As the video and test are completed, permits unlock for purchase and print. Hunters are responsible for understanding the site specific information and content presented in the orientation video. Permits Permits are assigned by lottery and valid for one hunt day and designated parking lot. Purchase and print permits at https://potomacriverrefugehunts.recaccess.com. Selected hunters may purchase permits from Tuesday, September 22nd through Sunday, October 4th, after which unclaimed permits are available to other hunt applicants. The nonrefundable permit fees are $20.00 for the general public and $10.00 for Federal Senior and Access Pass holders, plus a $5 processing fee. Senior and Access Passes checked upon entry. Unclaimed Permit Purchase Not all selected hunters claim permits. Unclaimed permits are available for purchase on a first come first served basis to all lottery applicants, selected and unselected, starting Tuesday October 7th at noon. Purchase unclaimed permits at https://potomacriverrefugehunts.recaccess.com. Alternates Stand-by hunters may form a separate line at 5:30 a.m. and will be admitted if space is available at 6:00 a.m. Standby permits will be $20.00 upon entry. The front gate will close to ALL hunters at 6:15 a.m. No admittance to hunt after 6:15 a.m. Mobility Impaired (MI) Hunt Areas One automated lift stand is available for MI hunters. MI hunters are required to have an aide 16 years or older as staff is unable to track, dress, or drag deer. Please call 703-490-4979 to register your hunting aide or to request assistance to find an aide by November 6th. For more information, contact: Potomac River National Wildlife Refuge Complex 12638 Darby Brooke Ct., Woodbridge, VA 22192 703/490-4979 www.fws.gov/refuge/Occoquan_Bay/Visit/DeerHunt.html Federal Relay Service for the deaf and hard-of-hearing 1 800/877 8339 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 1 800/344 WILD http://www.fws.gov August 2020 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge 2020 Big Game Hunting ad oint R o Taylor P 11 R Delta oad Br o av ad Ro @ ! 12 I ! J ! B ! Ea sy Ro ad 7 6