Prince George
County, VA

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposal

Please click here to download proposal and attached maps. 

Dear Mr. Ashcraft,

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to acquire 51.5 acres for addition to James River National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) in Prince George County, Virginia. The property is adjacent to the northeast corner of the refuge, along with the James River, and is identified by the Prince George County tax map identification number 070(01)00-00A-0. You are receiving this letter because you are either an abutting landowner, a representative of local government, or a state natural resource agency, and we are interested in any comments you may have regarding this land acquisition proposal.

The proposed addition, known as the Osprey Nest property, is identified in red on the attached map. It has approximately 1,400 feet of shoreline on the James River and is surrounded by the NWR on two sides. The property primarily consists of hardwood and pine forest, with some forested wetland. The refuge and shoreline contribute to one of the east coast's premier eagle roosting sites, and are part of the Lower James River Important Bird Area designated by the National Audubon Society. Additional birds supported by this property and adjacent waters include other raptors, wading birds, shorebirds, waterfowl, and migrant landbirds. Other wildlife species include both small and large mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and numerous fish species along its shoreline.

The property is in private ownership and, as such, there are currently no wildlife dependent public recreational uses occurring on this parcel. By policy, we plan to allow public uses on the parcel as determined appropriate and compatible by the Refuge Manager and staff, and anticipate that some portion will be incorporated into existing refuge hunt programs.

Our purchase would permanently protect wildlife habitat by adding this property to the National Wildlife Refuge System. We would appreciate receiving any comments you may have on this proposal within 30 days, at the above address. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact Bill Zinni, Wildlife Biologist, at the address above, or toll free at 877-289-8495, extension 8522, or Refuge Manager Cyrus Brame at 804-829-9020 (Andy Hoffman 804-333-1470, extension 112).

Sincerely,

Mark Maghini
Chief, Division of Realty