A walking trail located on bridge-accessible Middle Island near St. Marys, WV, offers a good setting for wildlife observation and photography. It includes a barrier-free section leading to a viewing blind that overlooks a small wetland. In the spring, this wetland attracts waterbirds such as ducks, geese, and shorebirds. Additional information about the trail is posted at the trailhead. Stunningly beautiful.
St. Mary's, WV
Contact: Sara Siekierski
Saint Marys,WV 26170
Email: sara_siekierski@fws.gov
Website: http://www.fws.gov/northeast/ohioriverislands/index.html
The refuge is open daily to visitors from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.
Free
An auto tour route located on Middle Island offers signs interpreting the history and management of the island. Occasionally, the refuge offers special events and programs such as guided walks and indoor presentations.
What is Not Allowed on the Refuge
Regulations are in place on the refuge to help protect wildlife, refuge resources, and visitors.
•Camping and other night use •Open fires or cutting firewood •Off-road vehicles or driving on undesignated routes •Abandoning domestic animals on the refuge •Unleashed dogs except for hunting retrieval •Permanent structures such as tree stands and rope swings •Searching for or collecting artifacts
http://www.fws.gov/northeast/ohioriverislands/refuge_map.html
Hunting
Archery deer, waterfowl, dove, rabbit, and squirrel are the primary hunting opportunities on the refuge. A refuge hunting permit and appropriate State licenses are required. Permits and refuge-specific regulations are available at refuge headquarters for the 2010-2011 hunt season.
Fishing
Some of the best fishing in the Ohio River occurs around refuge islands. All refuge properties are open to fishing unless otherwise posted during regular refuge hours. Bank fishing access is now available at the refuge headquarter site near Williamstown. Two fishing dikes allow anglers to cast into the Ohio River from the shoreline. One of the dikes provide barrier free access.
State regulations are in effect with additional refuge regulations prohibiting the use of trot lines.
Established in 1990, the refuge extends along 362 miles of the upper Ohio River with 22 scattered islands and three mainland properties. The refuge works to protect wildlife and habitats native to the Ohio River and its floodplain. Migratory birds and endangered freshwater mussels are among the important wildlife emphasized on the refuge.
Bicycles are allowed on the roadway of Middle Island only; not on the trails.
This information has been verified.
