2018 NMFWA Workshop
Naval Air Station Oceana (NASO) and NASO Dam Neck Annex:
AIRFIELD BIRD/ANIMAL AIRCRAFT STRIKE HAZARD, TARGET LAUNCH FACILITY, AND DUNE RESTORATION TOUR(S)
Description: This field trip is a series of site visits that provide real-life examples of integrating the Military Mission and Natural Resources requirements. NMFWA Members: will visit the observation deck of the Naval Air Station Oceana (NASO) Air Traffic Control tower and meet members of the Installation's Bird/Animal Aircraft Strike Hazard Team (BASH) for a discussion of BASH Management on a Master Jet Base; may visit a Land to Sea Aerial Target Launching Facility and may get to observe a target launch at NASO Dam Neck Annex (site visit is subject to weather conditions and day of mission requirements); and will visit dune restoration site(s) at NASO Dam Neck Annex and will meet the Installation's natural resources manager for a discussion on how the restoration has been accomplished and the purposes of the restoration. Limited to 30 People
Birding Trip to Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and the
Eastern Shore National Wildlife Refuge
•The first stop will be the fourth island* on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT). The CBBT’s habitat of concrete, steel, asphalt and rocks located in open water, makes an inviting rest stop for birds during their spring and fall migrations, as well as harbor seals that use the island as a haul-out site during the winter.
•Next we will cross the rest of the CBBT to reach the Eastern Shore. The Wildlife Refuge has various habitats, perfect for shore birds, raptors, and migrating species.
Expect the trip to last about 4 hours (possibly 5 if the birds are really showing), with early morning start between 7 and 8. Best to pack a lunch and water.
Limited to 15 people
*The CBBT is currently expanding and they could close access to the island at the last minute. If so, we would continue on to the wildlife refuge.