I didn't read the article, but it sounds like there's a LOT of mystery about what people can- and can't- legally do over there....
As a member of the Chesapeake Paddlers Association- and frequent users of Garrett Island- we inquired about the status of the island last summer. The signs posted around the island were old, and no newer ones were anywhere to be found. After asking a DNR police officer, we discovered it was, YES- now Federally owned and under the control and management of the Blackwater NWR.
One of our members called Blackwater and had a nice discussion with their administrator about the public use, laws, and enforcement on and around the island. Since it's Federal property, the Coast Guard has primary responsibility for law enforcement. When asked about beaching boats, he was told it was lawful. He also was granted (written) permission to hike, camp and have camp fires over a specific weekend last year (a Boy Scout outing).
I was told directly (from a local DNR police corporal) that the DNR police no longer have jurisdiction on Garrett Island and will not normally patrol it. HOWEVER, they will patrol the waters around the island and respond to any emergency on the island. In the event an arrest is needed, they will hold individuals until the CG arrives.
Here's an excerpt from Blackwater's website concerning public use: The National Wildlife Refuge System is the only collection of federal public lands where wildlife is supposed to come first, but that doesn't mean the public isn't welcome. In fact, the staff and volunteers at many refuges go out of their way to find ways in which the public can enjoy these lands.
Now, before everyone starts loading their coolers, here's another paragraph from the same site: Blackwater Refuge is part of the Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex, which is comprised of Martin NWR, Eastern Neck NWR, Susquehanna NWR and the Barren Island, Watts Island, Garrett Island, Bishops Head, and Spring Island Divisions.
Note: For the protection of the wildlife, only Blackwater and Eastern Neck are open to the public.
This information is definitely confusing! It seems to me that when asked, Blackwater may grant permission to use the island for a specific event, but it's apparently no longer to be used for camping and beer parties by weekend boaters.
Rob
