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Week Ending May 19, 2006

H.R.3682 To re-designate the Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia as the Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge.

Created in 1969 the Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge aimed to protect nesting, feeding and roosting habitat for American bald eagles when the bird was endangered, the bill report said. The Refuge was named after George Mason, an early Virginia mover and shaker and politician.

The original 845 acres was added to by two land purchases of 1,488 acres and an additional 789 acres are leased. The total now breaks down to 2,277 acres of hardwood and pine, 300 acres of freshwater marshes and four miles of coastline. Blue Heron abound along with 200 species of birds, 44 species of reptiles and 31 species of mammals. An estimated 100 bald eagles winter in the Refuge.

The bill would rename the Refuge after Elizabeth Hartwell who is commonly called the Eagle Lady due to her efforts to protect the peninsula where the Refuge is located as well as the American bald eagle it protects. Her efforts encouraged the expansion and protection of the Refuge.

Mrs. Hartwell dedicated her life to conservation causes, the report said, leading to numerous civic awards and recognition. Her activist efforts included stopping a deep water port from being built nearby, a highway to run through the Refuge and installation of a natural gas pipeline through the Refuge.

Sponsor: Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA-11^th)

Vote: Passed House by voice vote May 16, 2006 Passed Senate by Unanimous Consent August 1, 2006.

Cost to the taxpayers: No discernible cost. “CBO estimates that any resulting change in federal spending would be negligible. The bill would not affect direct spending or revenues.”

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