Ron Wolff County Forum January 18, 2010
Wolff’s Sandwich Shoppe, Atlantic, VA
Meeting began at 7:00 PM
ATTENDANCE
Presenter: Ron Wolff, Accomack County District Representative
Guest in Audience: Louis Hinds, Refuge Manager of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Assateague Island, VA
Audience: About 25 members.
There is no agenda or audio recorded for this meeting.
Opening Remarks: Mr. Wolff discussed county issues. Due to holidays, there is little to discuss. New county Board of Supervisors (BOS) Chair for 2010 is Ms. Gordy and new Vice-Chair is Mr. Hart. BOS meeting schedule has changed from two meetings per month to one on the third Wednesday which will now be held at Accomac Board Chambers in Accomac. If a BOS meeting was expected to have greater attendance, then it will be moved back to Metompkin ES in Parksley.
Mr. Wolff discussed the rumor that he is not completely full of detritus as certified by his internal doctor earlier in the week.
Guest Speaker: Louis Hinds discussed history of wildlife refuge on Chincoteague. Refuge set up originally to protect snow geese. He also commented on relationship between wildlife refuge and National Park Service (NPS). When considering any “use” (recreational or other) of the refuge the overriding priority must be given to the interests of wildlife and its habitat. Currently, refuge and NPS are working well together to maintain Assateage Island. Mr. Hinds is questioned often about beach situation and potential closing to parking. He wanted to discuss the rumor that he was planning to close or limit beach parking. . The key aspect is that nature controls the future of the beach and refuge. He commented on future public meetings about the next 15-year Comprehensive Conservation Plan for refuge. This plan will include consideration of climate change, and in particular the potential for sea level change (rising). Mr. Hinds is directed by the federal government to consider climate change in this plan regardless the extent and certitude of scientific data and predictions.
With the concept of sea level change of approximately three feet, plans need to be made on how to handle roads, structures, impoundment ponds, and parking areas. Virginia agencies have instructed departments to base plans on a 3 to 5 foot sea level change in 100 years. Websites have models for showing anticipated sea level changes at specific locations.
Mr. Hinds discussed alternate transportation modes for refuge and beach. This past year the beach area has been significantly eroded four times. Cost from Ida-Nor’easter is anticipated to be 600K to plow sand and restore the parking lots. During Nor’easter, there was evidence that the tidal surge was greater than 8 feet. This surge pushed water all the way back to the parking lot for the Wildlife Loop close to the lighthouse. The island (Assateague) is generally moving westward from its present location. There is a cut on the beach in the Tom’s Cove area south of parking lots that have not completely been healed by nature; water is still over the top at high tide. Over the sand vehicles are not allowed over the cut but one can walk along spit with caution due to unconsolidated sand (quicksand) in spots. One major wildlife concern is saltwater intrusion into the fresh water impoundment ponds. This may have caused harm to amphibians and reptiles and we may experience a reduction in those populations where significant over-wash of saltwater occurred into traditional freshwater habitats.
Parking lots P1 and P2 had a significant layer of sand (approximately 3 feet) deposited on top the existing shell parking areas. These parking lots will be dug out and the clay and shell base will be removed for reuse. Then the sand will be spread back on the parking lots and compacted. Once they are brought to grade the clay base and shell will spread again to finish the job. In P3 and P4, sand was minimal so they will just be cleared of sand. A preferred alternative parking plan needs to be considered with community. A shuttle plan was discussed but it need more review and must be a positive experience for visitors and locals alike.
Audience Member (AM) Questions: Mr. Hinds goal is to maintain beaches in a sustainable and fiscally sound manner. It was not until 1962 that the Assateague channel bridge was built. AM asked about jetties and their impact. Mr. Hinds this can be a consideration, however, this may have many unintended impacts such as; loss of sand deposition on islands further south, removal of offshore breakwaters that reduce wave energy on recreational beaches, and others. Additionally, the undertaking is very expensive. AM asked about moving recreational beach northward. Mr. Hinds reiterated that his primary responsibility is wildlife and he requires that wildlife needs be considered before expanding recreational beach. AM asked when public meetings will occur on future of refuge. Mr. Hinds indicated it will be late February or March. AM asked about special historical concerns on Assateague Island. Mr. Hinds commented on the continued work on Assateague lighthouse, several cemeteries, old shipwrecks and area around old Coast Guard house. AM discussed stimulus package. Mr. Hinds indicated funds were obtained from stimulus package for waterlines and broadband. He also discussed a new LiDAR project that will accurately measure land elevations in Accomack County. The Nature Conservancy has received a grant to conduct LiDAR work but will share this information with citizens and join forces with NASA, the Marine Science Consortium and the Fish and Wildlife Service to use this information for modeling future wildlife habitat. This LiDAR work could be used for evaluating the future of fresh water impoundments on refuge as well as emergency preparedness procedures for critical evacuation routes. He added that one future concern is sea level rise may necessitate that refuge operations and management be moved to the mainland.
Mr. Wolff and audience thanked Mr. Hinds for his presentation.
Meeting ended at 9:00 PM
Notes by Tim Getek
N.B. These notes do not constitute the public record of this meeting. The information contained herein is offered in good faith and is presented as accurately as possible. These notes are intended to be a public service devoid of political commentary for those who are interested in following the civic affairs of Chincoteague Island and Accomack County. Notes of the meeting are recorded, transcribed and distributed by volunteers who receive no financial compensation for their efforts.
