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Is it too late to save the Amazon

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Deforestation reduces the forest’s ability to generate rain clouds, which significantly raises the odds of drought. And the more fragmented the forest is, the harder it is to bounce back after a drought ends. Over-harvesting and passing the forest’s tipping point would be devastating for the forest’s biodiversity and for the Indigenous people that live there. The forests of the Amazon area are home to more than 3 million species of plants and animals. They also store large amounts of carbon dioxide that, if the forests die, would be released back into the atmosphere.

This week, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Colombian President Gustavo Petro formed a “pact” earlier this month to try to save the Amazon “for humanity.”

  • The first anti-deforestation raids on Lula’s watch took place last week to stop the illegal clearing of the forest.
  • Earlier this month, Lula signed a series of executive orders to address illegal deforestation in Brazil, which is home to 60% of the Amazon forest and reactivated the Amazon Fund that invests in efforts to stop deforestation.

An estimated 13 to 17% of the original Amazon rainforest has been deforested over the last half-century.

In a paper published in the journal Science, an international team of scientists report humans are causing changes to the Amazonian ecosystem in a matter of decades or centuries, as opposed to millions to tens of millions of years for natural processes. “Organisms can’t adapt in the period of decades or centuries,” Albert says.

Another analysis looked at the problem of land degradation in the Amazon due to logging, fires, extreme droughts, and changes at the edges of the forest caused by the habitat being fragmented.

  • Deforestation changes the land cover and can be spotted by satellites. Degradation stems from changes in how the land is used and can be hidden by the forest canopy — a forest continues to be a forest but is degraded and weakened.
  • Using data from earlier studies and new satellite images, the authors estimate about 2.5 million square kilometers of the Amazon — about 38% of the remaining forest — is considered degraded by one or more disturbances. That’s in addition to deforestation.
  • They also found the carbon lost from the forest due to degradation is on par with that due to deforestation — and degradation can lead to as much loss of the forest’s biodiversity as deforestation.

Their projections suggest “degradation will continue to be a major source of emissions in the region, regardless of what happens with deforestation,” says study co-author David Lapola, a research scientist at the University of Campinas (Unicamp) in Brazil. “We need specific policies to handle degradation. It’s not using the same policies and actions for deforestation,” he says.

NOAA FAQs: Whales and Wind Farms

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What is the current status of the humpback whale population in the North Atlantic?
There are different populations of humpback whales around the world, some of which are listed as “threatened” or “endangered” under the Endangered Species Act. The population of humpback whales in the North Atlantic (also known as the West Indies Distinct Population Segment) is not listed as threatened or endangered. However, all humpback whales are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. More information about the status of humpback whale stocks in U.S. waters can be found in NOAA Fisheries Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports.

What does NOAA Fisheries do to minimize the impact of offshore wind development on whales?
NOAA Fisheries is a science agency, and like our marine mammal stranding network partners, we value marine life and strive to conserve these species. We are dedicated to minimizing risks to protected resources, habitats, and managed fisheries throughout the life cycle of offshore wind energy projects. We are responsible for several regulatory processes that help reduce impacts to marine animals and their habitats from human activities, including during offshore wind development.

Is U.S. offshore wind development linked to any whale deaths?
No. At NOAA Fisheries, we work with our partners to analyze and understand the causes of death when we are able, following the science and data. At this point, there is no evidence to support speculation that noise resulting from wind development-related site characterization surveys could potentially cause mortality of whales. There are no specific links between recent large whale mortalities and currently ongoing surveys. We will continue to gather data to help us determine the cause of death for these mortality events. We will also continue to explore how sound, vessel, and other human activities in the marine environment impact whales and other marine mammals.

Does NOAA Fisheries authorize the injury of whales as it relates to offshore wind development?
No, NOAA Fisheries has not authorized—or proposed to authorize—mortality or serious injury of whales for any wind-related action. Offshore wind developers have not applied for, and NOAA Fisheries has not approved, authorization to kill any marine mammals incidental to any offshore wind activities.

What is NOAA Fisheries doing to minimize the effects of offshore wind development on endangered North Atlantic right whales?
NOAA Fisheries is heavily invested in the conservation and recovery of endangered North Atlantic right whales. NOAA Fisheries recently proposed a rule to modify existing vessel speed restrictions that would apply to many offshore wind-related vessels. In our permits and authorizations, we also require mitigation measures to avoid and minimize impacts from offshore wind development.

Finally, NOAA Fisheries and Bureau of Ocean Energy Management recently released a joint draft strategy to protect and promote the recovery of North Atlantic right whales while responsibly developing offshore wind energy. This strategy is part of NOAA Fisheries’ comprehensive Road to Recovery for North Atlantic right whales.

If offshore wind development isn’t the cause of recent whale deaths off New York and New Jersey, what is the cause?
Since January 2016, NOAA Fisheries has been monitoring an Unusual Mortality Event for humpback whales with elevated strandings along the entire East Coast. To date, there are 178 humpback whale mortalities included in the UME. Partial or full necropsy examinations were conducted on approximately half of the whales. Of the whales examined, about 40 percent had evidence of human interaction, either ship strike or entanglement. Vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear are the greatest human threats to large whales.

Why is there currently a high number of large whales in the waters off New Jersey? Is it related to offshore wind?
As the humpback whale population has grown, they have been seen more often in the Mid-Atlantic. Along the New Jersey shore, these whales may be following their prey (small fish) which are reportedly close to shore this winter. These prey also attract fish that are of interest to recreational and commercial fishermen. This increases the number of boats in these areas. More whales in the water in areas traveled by boats of all sizes increases the risk of vessel strikes. As such, we advise boaters to go slowly (less than 10 knots) and keep a lookout for whales.

There is currently a voluntary slow zone in effect for the waters off New York and New Jersey due to recent detections of endangered North Atlantic right whales. There are also active Seasonal Management Areas (where all vessels 65 feet or longer must travel at 10 knots or less) off the ports of New York/New Jersey and Delaware Bay due to known seasonal distribution of endangered North Atlantic right whales.

Is climate change a factor in the number of whales we’re seeing close to shore?
We know that our climate is changing, and one of those key changes is the warming of our oceans. In response to this, we are seeing populations of many marine species adapting by moving into new areas where conditions are more favorable.

Changing distributions of prey impact larger marine species that depend on them, and result in changing distribution of whales and other marine life. This can lead to increased interactions with humans as some whales move closer to near shore habitats. Work is ongoing to investigate the increase in humpback whale deaths beginning in 2016, and certainly this most recent string of devastating losses.

The impacts of changing species distributions reach far beyond the individual species experiencing the shift, to affect entire ecosystems, as well as fisheries interactions, and coastal economies.

What can I do to help whales in distress?
If you see a dead or injured marine mammal or sea turtle, please call the NOAA Greater Atlantic Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Hotline at (866) 755-6622 to be directed to a trained responder. The best way to assist these animals, and keep them and yourself safe, is by calling trained responders and maintaining a distance of 150 feet.

Please remember that all marine mammals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which makes touching, feeding, or otherwise harming these animals illegal. It is also illegal to take any marine mammal part from live or dead animals including bones and teeth.

If you are a boater, download the Whale Alert app for real time updates on management areas and whale sightings on digital nautical charts. When you are boating in these areas, slow down and keep a watchful eye on the water.

Additional Information on Harassment Authorizations
What does “harassment” mean under the Marine Mammal and Protection Act?
Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, harassment is statutorily defined as:

Level A Harassment, which has the potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild (i.e. non-serious injury)
Level B Harassment, which has the potential to disturb a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild by causing disruption of behavioral patterns, including migration, breathing, nursing, breeding, feeding, or sheltering but which does not have the potential to injure a marine mammal or marine mammal stock in the wild (i.e. behavioral disturbance).
How do I find more information about marine mammal incidental harassment authorizations?
We track all active and in-progress incidental take authorizations, including those related to offshore wind. There are 12 active IHAs authorizing the take, by Level B (i.e. behavioral) harassment only, of marine mammals incidental to offshore wind site characterization surveys in the Atlantic Ocean from southern New England to the Carolinas.

General information about the MMPA take authorization process

There are two active IHAs for offshore wind construction activities that authorize take of marine mammals by both Level A and Level B harassment. Level A harassment includes non-serious injury—in this case, in the form of auditory injury resulting from exposure to noise from pile driving. NOAA Fisheries carefully considers possible impacts to marine mammal species. These details and mitigations are included in the relevant documents for each active IHA.

Additional Information on Necropsies
What are NOAA Fisheries and its partners doing to determine the cause(s) of recent whale deaths?
The local stranding network partner is responsible for leading the examination, but large whale responses generally involve multiple agencies from across the network working together. These stranding network partners responded to each of the recent cases to document and examine the carcasses. At a minimum, each carcass was documented with photos, measurements, and an external examination. Since the cause of death is not always clear at first examination, biologists took samples from these whales, and will work with laboratory partners to review them in the coming months. Decomposition can limit our ability to determine a definitive cause of death.

Why aren’t all large whales necropsied?
Large whale necropsies are very complicated, requiring many people and typically heavy equipment (front loaders, etc.). Some whales are found dead floating offshore, and need to be towed to land for an examination. There can be limitations on the location where the whale stranded, including protected lands (parks or concerns for other endangered species) and accessibility (remote areas, tides that prevent access at times of day). Also, necropsies are the most informative when the animal died relatively recently. Some whales are not found until they are already decomposed, which limits the amount of information that can be obtained. Finally, funding is limited, and varies by location and stranding network partner.

Who are NOAA Fisheries’ marine mammal stranding network partners?
Our marine mammal stranding network partners in New England and the Mid Atlantic include:

Allied Whale (Maine)
Marine Mammals of Maine (Maine)
Seacoast Science Center (New Hampshire/North Shore Massachusetts)
International Fund for Animal Welfare (Cape Cod, Massachusetts)
Center for Coastal Studies (Cape Cod, Massachusetts)
Marine Mammal Alliance Nantucket (Nantucket, Massachusetts)
Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head Aquinnah (Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts)
Whale and Dolphin Conservation (South Shore, Massachusetts)
Marine Mammal Stranding Center (New Jersey)
Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (New York)
New York Marine Rescue Center (New York)
Mystic Aquarium (Connecticut/Rhode Island)
MERR Institute (Delaware)
Maryland Department of Natural Resources (Maryland)
National Aquarium (Maryland)
Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center (Virginia)

8 Dead Whales: Time to Stop Windfarm Development

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ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) — Environmentalists and opponents of offshore wind stood on a beach where the marine mammal lay buried and called for a federal probe into a spate of whale deaths in New Jersey and New York. Groups from the two states wrote President Joe Biden requesting a probe of the deaths of six whales that washed ashore over the last 33 days in areas being prepared for large-scale offshore wind farms. They also are asking for a halt to site work until the causes are determined.

The death total has now reached 8, with another dead whale floating near Virginia Beach.

Last Thursday a 20- to 25-foot-long (6- to 7.6-meter-long) humpback whale washed up on the Jersey Shore. Its remains washed ashore in Brigantine, just north of Atlantic City, which itself has seen two dead whales on its beaches in recent weeks.

“We should suspend all work related to offshore wind development until we can determine the cause of death of these whales, some of which are endangered,” said New Jersey state Sen. Vince Polistina, a Republican who represents the area. “The work related to offshore wind projects is the primary difference in our waters, and it’s hard to believe that the death of (seven) whales on our beaches is just a coincidence.”

The Clean Ocean Action environmental group notes that wind farm site work typically involves exploring the ocean floor using focused pulses of low-frequency sound in the same frequency that whales hear and communicate, which could potentially harm or disorient the animals.

Brigantine’s mayor, Vince Sera, joined in the call for a temporary halt to offshore wind site prep, as did U.S. Rep. Jeff Van Drew, a Republican congressman representing southern New Jersey.

At a news conference Monday in Atlantic City, the groups calling on Biden to probe the deaths said offshore wind developers have applied for authorization to harass or harm as many as 157,000 marine mammals off the two states.

Of course, Climate Change grifters tried to use the fake ‘climate crisis’ to push for wind farm development, even as the work is killing off endangered species. For Clean Water Action, Environment New Jersey, the Sierra Club, New Jersey Audubon, NY/NJ Baykeeper, and others, the end (the money grift) always justifies the means.

“The climate crisis demands that we quickly develop renewable energy, and offshore wind is critically important for New Jersey to reach the state’s economic development and environmental justice goals,” the groups said in a statement.

Comments Needed: Proposed Wind Farm off Rhode Island

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While this wind farm is far north of Virginia Coastal waters, the danger it poses to migratory species such as whales and birds is still important to our state. The benefits are marginal, but the effects are substantial.

NOAA Fisheries has received a request from Revolution Wind, LLC, a 50/50 joint venture between Ørsted North America, Inc. and Eversource Investment, LLC, for Incidental Take Regulations (ITR) and an associated Letter of Authorization (LOA). The requested regulations would govern the authorization of take, by Level A harassment and/or Level B harassment, of small numbers of marine mammals over the course of 5 years (2023-2028) incidental to construction of the Revolution Wind Offshore Wind Farm Project offshore of Rhode Island in a designated lease area on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS-A-0486), within the Rhode Island Massachusetts Wind Energy Area. Project activities likely to result in incidental take include pile driving (impact and vibratory), potential unexploded ordnance detonation, and vessel-based site assessment surveys using high resolution geophysical equipment.

NOAA Fisheries requests comments on its proposed rule. We will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the promulgation of the requested ITR and issuance of the LOA; agency responses to public comments will be summarized in the final notice of our decision. The proposed regulations would be effective October 5, 2023 – October 4, 2028.

Federal Appeals Court Yanks Conowingo Dam License

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This December, a federal appeals court has vacated a 50-year-license issued to Conowingo Dam last year after conservation groups challenged its approval in court. On Tuesday, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals said that the license, issued by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, was invalid because it did not include conditions related to reducing pollution in the Chesapeake.

The groups behind the lawsuit cheered the decision, saying it would not disrupt operations at the dam, 5 miles south of Lancaster County along the Susquehanna River in Maryland, and would help protect the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay in the future.

The decision comes about a year after environmental groups represented by Earthjustice challenged FERC’s decision to renew the dam’s operation for another 50 years. Groups argued the agency unlawfully renewed Constellation’s license — formerly known as Exelon Corp — as it did not require the company to follow Maryland’s mitigation practices necessary to restore water quality downstream.

The conditions were laid out in 2018 by Maryland officials in a “water quality certification“ required by the regulatory commission licensing process. They included reducing the amount of sediment and debris that flows through the dam into the Chesapeake Bay and ensuring passage for fish and eels.

The dam’s former owner, Exelon, challenged the conditions in court in 2019. They argued that they cannot control pollution coming from sources upstream. The state of Maryland later settled, and Exelon agreed to pay it $225 million toward reducing pollution in the bay.

Earlier this year Exelon created a spinoff company, Constellation Energy, which now owns the dam.

A spokesperson for the dam owner said the decision was surprising and disappointing, adding that it could jeopardize the $225 million from the settlement with the state as well as another $475 million it has pledged toward reducing pollution in the bay.

Chesapeake Conservancy Applauds Conservation Outcomes in FY 23 Federal Spending Package

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Annapolis, MD – On Friday, December 23, Congress passed the Fiscal Year 2023 (FY 23) omnibus appropriations package to fund government agencies and programs for the next fiscal year. The annual funding package supported many programs related to conservation and environmental restoration in the Chesapeake Bay watershed and increased funding for several key programs.

Chesapeake Conservancy’s Manager of External Affairs Reed Perry applauded the federal FY 23 omnibus bill, stating,

“The federal omnibus appropriations package for FY 23 contains many big wins for the Chesapeake Bay and for conservation. The federal funding bill directly supports many vital agency partners and programs that advance environmental conservation in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

“The FY 23 omnibus will increase funding for the Chesapeake Bay Program by $4 million to a historic funding level of $92 million in FY 23. We are at a pivotal moment in the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort where all partners must work tirelessly and collaboratively to get as close as possible to the agreed-upon goals of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. As the central partnership of the region’s watershed restoration effort, the Chesapeake Bay Program plays an essential role, and this funding will empower the Bay Program partnership to maximize the impact of its work.

“The FY 23 omnibus also increases funding by $2 million for USGS activities in the Chesapeake Bay, for a total of more than $17 million in FY 23. The USGS is a critical partner in science and monitoring efforts in our watershed, and when data drives so much of our decision-making about watershed restoration, this additional funding will help partners make more informed decisions to target conservation efforts and accelerate progress.

“This bill also provides $8 million to the Chesapeake WILD program, a new U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service program established by Congress in 2020. This represents a $4 million increase over FY 22 funding levels which will greatly boost the impact of this vital conservation program. Chesapeake WILD is a dedicated program for conservation in the Chesapeake Bay and supports on-the-ground efforts across the watershed such as species conservation and wetland restoration.

“The FY 23 omnibus increases funding for the Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative (REPI) program by $25 million, for a total of $175 million. This national conservation program advances national security through conservation and has led to the conservation of around 32,000 or more acres in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Increased REPI funding will allow the Bay watershed to continue to benefit from this program.

“Thank you to the senators and members of Congress who worked to advance and pass this important legislation, and we especially thank our congressional members from the Chesapeake Bay watershed for their strong support for conservation and the Chesapeake Bay.”

Highlights for Chesapeake Bay conservation and restoration in the FY 23 Omnibus Appropriations Bill include:

·        $92 million for the Chesapeake Bay Program, an increase of $4 million over FY 22 appropriations. The Chesapeake Bay Program is a regional partnership of federal agencies, states, local governments, universities and non-governmental organizations that work together to restore and to protect the Chesapeake Bay.

·        $8 million for Chesapeake WILD, a $4 million increase over FY 22 appropriations. Chesapeake WILD is a new U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service program focused specifically on habitat conservation and restoration in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

·        $3 million for the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails program. The Gateways Program is run by the National Park Service Chesapeake Bay Office and provides financial and technical support to communities and organizations throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed for public access, educational programming and interpretation of the Bay’s natural, cultural and historical resources.

·        $17.49 million for the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) Chesapeake Bay activities, a $2 million increase over FY 22 appropriations. The USGS is a core federal partner of the Chesapeake Bay Program that contributes scientific research and monitoring to several aspects of watershed restoration, including land use and wildlife habitat.

·        $175 million for Department of Defense’s Readiness and Environmental Protection Initiative (REPI) program. The REPI program supports partnerships between branches of the U.S. military, local conservation groups and local and state governments to conserve land near military installations in order to protect the continued and future operation of military installations. REPI has supported the conservation of more than 32,000 acres in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Chesapeake Conservancy Announces 2022 “Champions of the Chesapeake”

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Rappahannock Tribe Chief Anne Richardson & Blacks of the Chesapeake President Vince Leggett Honored for Their Inclusive Leadership and Dedication to the Chesapeake Bay

Annapolis, Md. – Today, Chesapeake Conservancy announced the 2022 Champions of the Chesapeake, the organization’s highest honor recognizing extraordinary leaders from across the Chesapeake for their significant and exemplary accomplishments that protect and restore our natural systems and cultural resources. Rappahannock Tribe Chief Anne Richardson and Vince Leggett, founder and president of Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation, were named Champions of the Chesapeake for demonstrating that tireless work leads to notable achievements in conservation.

In announcing the awards, Chesapeake Conservancy President and CEO Joel Dunn stated: “Chief Richardson and Vince Leggett were the driving forces and incredible partners behind two of the most significant conservation achievements in the Chesapeake this year.”

Chief Anne Richardson has been instrumental in the return to the Rappahannock Tribe of a 465-acre sacred site at Fones Cliffs on the eastern side of the Rappahannock River. The site, known as Pissacoack, will be permanently protected by a conservation easement and used for recreation and education. Fones Cliffs is also home to bald eagle nests and has been designated by the National Audubon Society as an Important Bird Area with global significance.

Vince Leggett is recognized for his efforts to preserve Black history and culture on the Chesapeake Bay. For 15 years, Leggett worked tirelessly to preserve Elktonia beach, a five-acre waterfront parcel on the Chesapeake Bay that is the last remnant of the original 180-acre property purchased by Fred Carr in 1902. Carr’s and Sparrow’s Beaches were privately owned and operated by Fred Carr’s daughters, Elizabeth Carr Smith and Florence Carr Sparrow. “The Beaches” (1930s-1970s), as they were called, represented the heart of entertainment throughout the mid-Atlantic region and welcomed Blacks during a time of segregation.

“Now, more than ever, we need leaders and officials who will stand up for conservation in the Chesapeake Bay region,” continued Dunn. “Chief Richardson and Vince Leggett both exemplify what it means to be a Champion of the Chesapeake through inclusivity, dedication, partnership and collaboration. They are both role models for today’s environmental leaders and for future conservation wins.”

Previous award winners include Jonathan Doherty, National Park Service Chesapeake Office; Jason Fellon, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; Marcus Kohl, Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection; Dennis Chestnut, Mariah Davis, Choose Clean Water Coalition; Anna Killius, James River Association; River Rock Outfitter; Maryland Senator Guy Guzzone; Pennsylvania Senator Gene Yaw; Virginia Delegate David Bulova; Ann P. Swanson, Chesapeake Bay Commission; U.S. Senator Barbara S. Mikulski of Maryland; U.S. Senator Paul S. Sarbanes of Maryland; U.S. Senator John W. Warner of Virginia; Maryland Governor Larry Hogan; Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe; former National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis; Keith Campbell, The Keith Campbell Foundation; Esri; Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association; Microsoft Corporation; Mt. Cuba Center; Dr. Mamie Parker, US Fish & Wildlife Service; REI; Kim Hernandez, NOAA Fellow; and Skyline Technology Solutions, Inc.

Chesapeake Conservancy Applauds Youngkin Administration’s Proposed Amendments to Virginia Biennial Budget on Natural Resources and Clean Water

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Annapolis, MD – On Thursday, Governor Glenn Youngkin released his proposed amendments to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 and 2023 biennial budget for Virginia.

Governor Younkin’s proposed budget amendments would increase operations funding for the Department of Conservation and Recreation by $100 million in 2023 and nearly $240 million in 2024. The proposed amendments would also increase the capital budget for the department by $3 million in 2023.

The proposed budget amendments would provide $200 million across 2023 and 2024 for the Resilient Virginia Revolving Loan Fund, which supports local government resilience projects across the Commonwealth. This resilience funding is part of the $685 million proposed for accelerating Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts. The Governor’s proposed budget amendments would increase funding for the Department of Environmental Quality by $110 million in 2023 and $154 million in 2024.

Chesapeake Conservancy President and CEO Joel Dunn issued the following statement:

“I applaud Governor Youngkin’s proposed amendments to the biennial 2023 – 2024 budget as they pertain to conservation, natural resources and clean water. The proposed amendments would significantly increase Virginia’s budget for the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Department of Environmental Quality. Virginia’s natural resources and the Chesapeake Bay are absolutely critical to the health of Virginia’s people, its wildlife and the economy. These proposed budget amendments reflect Governor Youngkin’s commitment to conservation and the natural resources of Virginia.”

NOAA Updates National Marine Ecosystem Status website

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NOAA has made updates to the National Marine Ecosystem Status website, including the 2022 Status of U.S. Marine and Great Lakes Ecosystems, which shows changes across many key indicators including sea surface temperature, marine species distribution, coastal economies, and more. This is also the first time NOAA has adopted an agency-wide indicator to measure marine heatwaves. The website provides a starting point for people to explore the status of U.S. marine ecosystems, the Great Lakes, and the nation.

Below is data on the Southeast Region:

Spanning the area from North Carolina to Florida, the Southeast contains over 18,000 miles of coastline. With extensive riverine, estuarine, marsh, barrier island, mangrove, and coral reef systems, the Southeast has the largest wetland acreage and coral reef track in the contiguous United States, and one of the world’s largest shallow water coral reef ecosystems. 

A diversity of life is supported in this region, including 18 protected marine species. The Southeast region provides the only known calving grounds for the highly endangered North Atlantic Right Whale. Bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles, diverse coral, sawfish, Bryde’s whales, manta rays, and shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon also reside in this region.

The Gulf Stream is an important influence on biological, chemical, and physical characteristics of the region. Natural hazards include thunderstorms and tornadoes; floods and debris flows; drought and wildfires; winter storms; ground subsidence; coastal erosion; and hurricanes. Coastal hazards are major concerns, since over one-third of the population resides in coastal counties and over 4 million people live in flood hazard areas. 

This region contributes more than 10% of the total U.S. economy, with coastal recreation, tourism, recreation, transportation, and shipping being major contributors to the regional economy. Home to one of the largest concentrations of saltwater recreational fishing in America, the Southeastern United States generates more than $15 billion annually for more than 4.5 million fishermen. The region has over 35 ports and terminals that service cargo and passenger ships, including some of the country’s largest and fastest growing container ports.

First Day Hikes at Virginia State Parks

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Put your best foot forward and start off the new year with an outdoor adventure at any of the Virginia State Park locations.

First Day Hikes have become a tradition for many people and it is the perfect opportunity to get some exercise, explore outdoors and connect with nature all while enjoying the park’s unique beauty this season.

Parking is free at all Virginia State Park locations on Jan. 1, 2023 and visitors to each park will receive a celebratory First Day Hike sticker while supplies last.

Whether you prefer to partake in a solo adventure or want to join in on the fun of ranger-led hikes and activities, the parks have your back with numerous ways to help elevate your experience during your visit.

Check out the full list of First Day Hikes at www.virginiastateparks.gov/firstdayhikes.

Here are some locations to consider for your First Day Hike:

If you are looking for a moderate to advanced hike to ring in the new year, Pocahontas State Park is the place for you. The park offers a New Year’s Eve hike starting at 11 p.m. that explores a 2.3-mile portion of Lakeview Bike Trail, which is not commonly open to hikers. The event is free, but registration is required by calling 804-796-4472 or emailing Rebecca.whalen@dcr.virginia.gov. Additional hikes on various trails are offered at 8 a.m. until 3:45 p.m. on New Year’s Day.

Sky Meadows State Park provides an opportunity for you to celebrate the new year by watching the sunrise. On January 1, 2023, the park gates on Edmonds Lane will be open at 5:30 a.m. so you can enjoy a self-guided hike from the Backcountry Trailhead to view the sunrise at one of the overlooks on the Piedmont Overlook Trail, South Ridge Trail or the Ambassador Whitehouse Trail. There are ranger-led hikes available at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Claytor Lake State Park will open at 6 a.m. on New Year’s Day, giving visitors the opportunity to watch the sunrise and partake in various hikes and activities. You can join a Virginia Master Naturalists on a short hike in search of different bird species at 10 a.m., learn to make syrup at noon and take a hike to the vernal pool at 2 p.m. Relish the evening by viewing the lights on the lake from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. by taking a walk down to the gazebo behind the Howe House.

Twin Lakes State Park offers a 3-mile Otter’s Path trail for First Day Hikes. You must stop by the park office first to grab the geocache list for your hike and make sure to download the geocaching app before visiting. For First Day Hikes, each Otter’s Path Trail cache will contain a card with information about people important to the history of the park, allowing guests to learn more about the story of this site while on the trail.

Natural Tunnel State Park offers a guided hike to Lovers’ Leap where park rangers tell you the tale of the star-crossed lovers. The hike is around 2 miles long, begins at 9 a.m. and has several inclines and declines.

If you are in or near the Virginia Beach area, visit First Landing State Park for a guided hike on Bald Cyprus Trail. You will meet at the Trail Center picnic tables for this one-hour long hike that is offered at 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., and 2:00 p.m. or you can enjoy a self-guided hike on the many other park trails.

York River State Park, located in Williamsburg, offers a guided hike from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. along the banks of the York River and Woodstock Pond. The hike will cover 1.5 miles through upland woods and will end along the York River shoreline. You can also enjoy a self-guided adventure along the several other hiking and multi-purpose trails.

Share your first day hike adventures with us on social media by using the hashtags #vastateparks and #firstdayhikes.