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Chesapeake Bay NERR in Virginia

Public Access and Hunting

Public Access

CBNERR-VA is responsible for the long-term management of its Reserve components in order to protect the ecological integrity of the natural system and provide a stable environment to support its research and education mission.  Public access to the four Reserve components is managed on a site-specific basis.  CBNERR-VA and site property owners/managers reserve the right to impose additional restrictions to curtail any activity threatening to disturb natural conditions or ongoing research and education activities.  In waters around Reserve components, commercial and recreational harvest of fish and crabs is allowed if in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations.

Public access at CBNERR-VA components is detailed below, beginning with the furthest component upriver, and moving downriver toward Chesapeake Bay.

Sweet Hall Marsh Reserve Component
Sweet Hall Marsh is privately owned and incorporated into the Reserve's component network through conservation easements and management agreements. Access to this component is limited to research and education activities that are coordinated through the Reserve.  General public access is not permitted.  

Taskinas Creek Reserve Component
Taskinas Creek lies within the boundaries of York River State Park and therefore access is controlled by park regulations. The Park is open year-round from 8 am to dusk.  The Park’s Visitor Center and outdoor amphitheater are opened seasonally (closed in the winter).  Visitors are encouraged to use more than 40 km (25 mi) of self-guided hiking, biking and equestrian trails.  Fishing opportunities in three areas of York River State Park include: Woodstock Pond (shoreline only, VA Fishing License required); Croaker Landing and Fishing Pier (pier is licecensed but a VA Saltwater License is required if fishing from boat or shoreline); and Taskinas Creek (valid saltwater or freshwater license needed).  Canoe/Kayak rentals are available for rent.  Deer hunting is only allowed in season (November/December) during special controlled hunts.  Many of the facilities and trails are Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.  Additional information on Park resources can be found at http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/yor.shtml.

Catlett Islands Reserve Component
Catlett Islands are accessible by shallow draft boats and limited land access through boardwalks/trails within the newly designated Machicomoco State Park. A canoe/kayak launch provides direct access to the Islands via Poplar Creek with additional public boat launches/ramps available within the bordering Timberneck (Williams Landing) and Cedarbush creeks (Olivers Landing). CBNERR-VA maintains a limited-use public access policy for the Catlett Islands component of the Reserve. In accordance with that policy, the islands are managed exclusively for research and education while allowing for specific public uses. Allowable uses include: wildlife viewing, fishing, crabbing and collection of shellfish (if in accordance with applicable state laws and regulations), and waterfowl hunting from floating blinds or Reserve maintained blinds (Reserve issued permit required and must be in accordance with applicable federal and state laws and regulations). Given the sensitivity of the emergent wetlands and extensive installed monitoring infrastructure, general access to marshes is not allowed at this time.  Additional information on Machicomoco State Park resources can be found at https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/machicomoco.

Goodwin Islands Reserve Component
CBNERR-VA maintains a limited-use public access policy for the Goodwin Islands. Goodwin Islands are only accessible by shallow draft boats and there are no docking facilities or designated trails on Goodwin Islands.  The following access rules apply:

  • Public access is limited from dawn to dusk and therefore overnight camping is prohibited;
  • Building of any type of fire is prohibited;
  • Collection of plants, animals, minerals, or artifacts is strictly prohibited;
  • Visitors must obey posted signs that may be placed seasonally to protect sensitive species;
  • Beach areas can be used for beachcombing and other non-destructive activities if visitors do not willingly or negligently disturb the environment or scientific experiments/equipment;
  • Bicycles, off-road vehicles, and horses are prohibited;
  • Waterfowl hunting from floating blinds is allowed, however, a Reserve issued permit is required.  No stationary blinds are allowed;
  • Upland and wetland hunting activities are not permitted; and
  • Dogs or other domestic animals accompanying visitors must be kept on a leash at all times.

Hunting

The Waterfowl Hunting Application for Goodwin Islands (2025-2026 Season) will be accepted through September 30, 2025.  The number of requests will determine whether permits are issued on a first come, first served basis or a lottery system.  Approved permits will be mailed to recipients after October 1, 2025.  Call Sally Wood at (804) 684-7135 with related questions or email slawrence@vims.edu.