Rappahannock Wildlife Refuge Friends Find Creative Way to Meet Grant Requirements— Virginia

Submitted by Joe McCauley

The Rappahannock Wildlife Refuge Friends received a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) to replace an old and deteriorating pier and boat launch on recently acquired refuge property. The new pier is, or soon will be, fully accessible and, we hope, will be ready for fishing and paddle-craft launching in the fall. Part of our grant requirements included holding an on-site kids’ fishing event, where participants would learn about fish habitat, species identification, and the basics of angling. Not in 2020! So, with approval from NFWF, the Friends and refuge staff created video segments that covered all the aspects of fish and fishing that were promised in the grant application. Refuge biologist Lauren Cruz described the habitats of Cat Point Creek and some of the fish and wildlife that use these habitats, while volunteer, Friends board member, and angler extraordinaire Bruce Callis demonstrated fishing techniques, discussed different baits for different species, and handed out other tips. As a bonus, Deputy Manager Bill Crouch discussed how refuge volunteers constructed the pier for visitor safety, accessibility, and to leave the lightest footprint possible. All the videography and editing were expertly accomplished by refuge intern Chase Mullins, with production assistance from volunteer and Friends board member Ann Graziano.

While not as exciting as helping and watching young anglers catch their first fish, the products generated from having to postpone the fishing event can now be shared with a wider audience, and hopefully encourage visitors to head out to the refuge and drop a line when it is safe to do so. To get an overview of the project site ecosystem, learn about pier design features, and even get a fishing lesson, click here.