U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Parker River National Wildlife Refuge Canoeing/Kayaking Information

Thank you for your interest in recommended. Do not rely on the map Permits and Fees canoeing/kayaking at Parker River on the reverse which is intended only A permit is not required. However, a National Wildlife Refuge. Please read for general orientation. Also check refuge entrance fee applies to access the following information thoroughly the forecast to avoid being caught in the boat ramp for launching. A Daily so that we may ensure your canoeing/ inclement weather. During the warmer refuge entrance fee of $5/vehicle or $2/ kayaking experience is as safe and months, mosquitoes and other biting walk-on or bicycle is in effect year- enjoyable as possible. Please do not insects can be very bothersome. round. Annual passes and commercial hesitate to contact us if you have any Greenheads are aggressive, blood rates are available. questions or concerns. feeding horse flies that may be Enjoy your visit! abundant from July through mid- Parker River National Wildlife Refuge August. From September 15 - May 15, 6 Plum Island Turnpike General all canoe and kayak occupants must Newburyport, MA 01950 Opportunities are available to launch wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved 978/465 5753 a non-motorized canoe, kayak, or Personal Flotation Device. 978/465 2807 Fax rowboat from the refuge for access to e-mail:[email protected] Plum Island Sound and points beyond. Suggested Equipment and Supplies www.fws.gov/northeast/parkerriver All boat motors (including electric) and n extra paddle the launching of all other watercraft, n sunglasses Federal Relay Service including sailboats, are prohibited. All n hat & jacket for the deaf and hard-of-hearing refuge, state, and U.S. Coast Guard n waterproof bag 1 800/877 8339 regulations apply. Landing anywhere n water in the refuge marsh or on the refuge n sunscreen U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service beach is strictly prohibited. n tide chart 1 800/344 WILD n compass http://www.fws.gov Access and Parking n navigation chart Non-motorized boat access to Plum n insect repellant August 2008 Island Sound is available from the n refuge information brochure refuge at the boat ramp opposite n binoculars/camera/cell phone parking lot 1. Launching or landing n wildlife identification guides at any other refuge site is strictly n U.S. Coast Guard approved personal prohibited. Boat ramp use is available flotation device(s)(see requirement year-round during refuge hours above) of operation, sunrise to sunset. All boaters who have launched from the Wildlife Viewing refuge must exit the refuge by sunset. The estuary harbors a great diversity Motor vehicles & trailers must be of wildlife. A refuge bird parked in a designated parking area. checklist is available from Parking is not permitted at the boat refuge headquarters or ramp or its access road. the entrance gatehouse when staffed. Please Safety remain an unobtrusive Check tide times to avoid being observer by viewing stranded by a low tide. Currents can wildlife from an be strong. Especially in the rivers and appropriate distance. creeks of the estuary, low water can To minimize wildlife cause disorientation if you are unable disturbance, to see the surrounding landmarks or landing anywhere horizon. An area navigation chart is on the marsh is prohibited. Emerson Rocks Bar Head Stage Island Pool Overlook 7 Bill Forward 6 Bird M Blind Stage Island Pool Atlantic Ocean Hellcat Wildlife Bill Pines Observation Area Forward Trail Sandy Point Pool State South Cross Farm Reservation North Field Hill North M Pool Parker River Overlook North 5 National Wildlife Refuge Field I Lot 1 4 I Boat Ramp Salt Pannes Wildlife Refuge Boundary Observation Area a Grape Island Road Gatehouse (pay entrance Plum Island North Pool M Boardwalk to Beach fee here) 2 3 Middle q Refuge Headquarters aS Ground Northern Blvd. aC d a Rest Rooms 1 un So S Visitor Information nd Eagle HillI River Sunset Drive a Designated Parking Area The Basin er l Plum iv s I q R I Numbered Designated Is d m Newburyport l an Plu Parking Area Harbor o er Public Boat RampIpswich Lighthouse iv R M Seal y Observation Tower Waterfowl Waterfowl le o Island Hunting Hunting w C Maintenance Area o Joppa Area A Area C R 1

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