As a member of the community, you understand the importance of Eastern Neck Refuge to wildlife, our community and visitors.
The board of directors of the Friends of Eastern Neck has been working over the past year with local politicians and Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) personnel to encourage FWS to fill the vacant Wildlife Specialist (Refuge Manager) position at the refuge. Not filling the vacancy could lead to the refuge being closed for the foreseeable future.
Although the FWS budget has been approved in Washington, we have received no indication that the position will be filled, we believe we need your help to further encourage the FWS Regional Chief, Scott Kahan to fill the position.
The Friends of Eastern Neck Board of Directors are asking that you communicate your thoughts in support of this effort using the following contact information:
Scott Kahan
Regional Chief
National Wildlife System
300 Westgate Center Drive
Hadley, MA 01035-9589
[email protected]
413 253-8245
Please describe what the refuge means to you and the community and encourage FWS to fill the position and not “shutter” the island.
Time is of the essence; please communicate to Scott Kahan before June 30. Thank you for your support in helping to keep the refuge functioning.
Very truly yours,
Phil Cicconi
Vice President
Friends of Eastern Neck
Gren Whitman says
As residents of Rock Hall and Kent County MD, we are long-time volunteers at the Refuge and members of the Friends of Eastern Neck.
This Refuge is vital not only for the wildlife it nurtures and protects, but because it gives visitors the opportunity to view, enjoy, and learn about the natural world and the crucial part the federal government plays in protecting and preserving it.
Eastern Neck NWR is also an essential recreational and economic part of our Kent County community, where we fish, boat, hike, and observe wildlife at all seasons (but especially in winter). It is a draw for visitors from nearby states, often from much farther away. The Refuge was, in fact, the single biggest reason for us to move from Baltimore City to Rock Hall over 13 years ago!
We urge you and the regional office to fill the Wildlife Specialist (manager) position at Eastern Neck NWR as quickly as possible. And implore you to keep the Refuge open!
Janice Plotczyk / Grenville Whitman
Libby Woolever says
So, how would someone apply? Is there a link for a job description and application that you could provide?
Carol Brown says
Eastern Neck Refuge is Kent County, Maryland’s Garden of Eden. It is a beautiful, natural respite from the hustle and bustle and the trepidations of a world in turmoil. Riding a bike or driving a car or walking about the refuge is refreshing, filling the soul with a solace that is priceless. Please assure that this special, natural piece of our world is saved, cultivated, preserved. Send a knowledgeable, caring person
to keep this paradise flourishing.
Charles & Lisa Lister says
We write this letter as a plead for you to fill the open position of refuge manager (wildlife specialist) ASAP and to employ a solid plan for Eastern Neck Wildlife Refuge to remain open.
The refuge provides opportunities for Rock Hall and surrounding Kent County residents to connect with nature and learn the importance of conservation. With today’s stresses, people of all ages benefit from walking in forests and observing wildlife, connecting with nature to remember the earth doesn’t belong to us. It is crucial to the future of conservation to educate our youth, who are too often too occupied with electronic devices to learn how to be environmentally responsible citizens. We would like to see more nature education for youth rather than less.
We have devoted many hours to promoting appreciation of nature and wildlife at Eastern Neck through photography and administration of ENWR social media. As volunteers and Friends of Eastern Neck we hope to see the refuge stay open to continue to promote conservation for the health of our planet.
Sincerely,
Charles and Lisa Lister
Georgina Bliss says
As a longtime resident of Rock Hall, I cannot imagine life with the Refuge. We are regular visitors there and often take family and friends. I encourage Washington College students to visit and take advantage of its exquisite beauty. My children and their friends use it to access superior paddling waterways. Why would it close? Why is this only being addressed now? Why haven’t our local Representatives taken action? This would be a tragedy for Rock Hall and Kent County. Please write to the regional chief.