Virginia Coastal Program: 2005 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
FY2005 Task 9.20
Grantee:
Department of Game & Inland Fisheries
Project Title:
Seaside Ecotourism Site Improvement: Willis Wharf
Project Description as Proposed:
This project has
two main objectives, to develop an observation platform overlooking
the tidal wetlands adjacent to the Willis Wharf marina and to develop
a kiosk and interpretive displays explaining the barrier island-lagoon
ecosystem and the wildlife that exist there. Construction will occur
on County-owned property at the marina. These two projects address
the Seaside Heritage Program goals of developing ecotourism infrastructure
and improved enforcement capabilities through public education efforts.
With the increasing interest in outdoor recreation and wildlife
viewing, these projects come at a time when the Eastern Shore experiencing
positive, increasing economic impacts from wildlife watchers. This
carries with it the potential for long-term adverse effects from
increased numbers of visitors, making appropriate public education
about ways to protect resources critical. This project provides
opportunities to serve the public’s interest in wildlife viewing,
while also educating them about the impacts to the important and
unique natural resources of the Seaside.
This project will build a wildlife viewing platform and kiosk at
Willis Wharf, on the northeast corner of Northampton County. The
viewing platform would be an 8-12 foot high platform with a handicap
accessible ramp. The surface would be approximately 10 feet wide
by 25 feet long with railing. Parts of the observation deck may
be covered for shade or inclement weather viewing. This observation
platform would provide an excellent venue for watching shorebirds
feeding on the mudflats and aquatic vegetation around the Willis
Wharf marina. This area has consistently provided feeding and resting
habitat for a variety of unique shorebirds such as, godwits, skimmers,
and a variety of sandpipers. Interpretive signage about mudflats,
tidal wetlands, barrier islands and the various wildlife species
of the seaside would be included on the observation platform as
well as at the kiosk located nearby. The kiosk would be a large,
roofed structured that would provide information on the local area
and the Seaside Heritage Program, the Seaside Water Trail, and the
Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail and other important resources
for visitors. Willis Wharf is a stop on both the Virginia Birding
and Wildlife Trail and the Seaside Water Trail and these improvements
will enhance both of these existing projects. The information kiosk
and signage will be designed in conformity with those constructed
under Seaside Heritage Program Task 11.10 of FY 2004.
Federal Funding:
$30,000
Project Contact:
Jeffery Trollinger, 804.376.8747; jeff.trollinger@dgif.virginia.gov
Project Status:
Grant Open
Final Product Received:
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
Form C end
Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Laura McKay, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4323 or email: Laura.McKay@deq.virginia.gov
A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov
