The Rappahannock River Valley National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) is opening a 14-day public comment period on the Environmental Assessment (EA) packet for the proposed opening of the new Cat Point Creek Unit, located on Newland Road in Warsaw, Virginia. Federal agencies are required to develop an EA as part of the process for determining whether a proposed action has the potential to cause significant environmental impacts.
Acquired in 2017, the 243-acre Cat Point Creek Unit will expand recreational access for the public at the Refuge, a priority for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The area, which has undergone extensive ecological restoration over the past four years, will offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating (non-motorized), hunting, wildlife photography, environmental education, and interpretation.
The Refuge is also proposing to transfer a building, known as the “Lodge,” to the federally recognized Rappahannock Tribe for use in outreach, environmental education, and interpretation.
The public is invited to comment on the EA for the Cat Point Creek Unit and to evaluate the transfer of the main building (the Lodge) to the Rappahannock Tribe. By expanding opportunities for recreation and outreach through partnership, we are enhancing conservation benefits for the American public.
You can access the Environmental Assessment at https://www.fws.gov/media/cat-point-creek-unit-rappahannock-river-valley-national-wildlife-refuge-public-opening.
Comments may be submitted through January 29, 2023 to Marcie_Kapsch@fws.gov, or by mail to: 336 Wilna Road, Warsaw, VA 22572
Refuge staff will be available to provide information and answer questions throughout the 14-day comment period. For more information, please contact the Refuge at (804) 366-7951.
