Carvins Cove Users Can Provide Input on Proposed Fee Changes

carvins cove fees

The Western Virginia Water Authority is proposing changing the fee structure for users of the Carvins Cove Natural Reserve. This change, which is proposed to take effect January 1, 2021, will simplify the check-in process for recreational users, promote carpooling, allow for expanded use of the Natural Reserve amenities and make it easier for Cove staff to identify who has purchased a pass.

A public hearing, with a virtual option, will be held on Nov. 19; however, you can reach out in advance of that meeting with questions to sarah.baumgardner@westernvawater.org or 540.283.2905.

What Do Proposed Changes Include?

Carvins Cove users have always paid a per-person fee for land use activities and a separate fee to launch a personal boat. The proposed fee structure will change to a fee for each vehicle and ALL occupants of the vehicle will be covered under that one pass purchase. In addition, if the user brought their non-trailered boat(s) in or on their vehicle, this pass allows the Carvins Cove visitors to launch their personal boat and enjoy the land use amenities with that one pass purchase.

This process will simplify online pass purchasing and encourage carpooling.

Carvins Cove users who trailer a boat or equestrian trailer to Carvins Cove will pay a fee that is slightly higher than the single vehicle fee as these vehicles/trailers take up more parking spaces and have more of an environmental impact on the Natural Reserve. The per vehicle fee structure, however, will still apply to these users. For example, two people in a truck trailering two horses will purchase one pass.

A final change involves the introduction of a new shelter rental fee. The original shelter will remain open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. However, the new shelter and amphitheater will be able to be reserved (for a maximum of 50 guests) on a daily basis.Β The shelter reservation, and corresponding fee for the rental, can be processed online.

Fees for boat rentals at Carvins Cove are not changing. Guests will purchase a per vehicle entrance pass to the Cove and then individually rent the number of boats that they need. Land use amenities are included as part of the vehicle entrance pass.

Where Do Fees Go?

The Western Virginia Water Authority collects fees from Carvins Cove Natural Reserve park users to help offset costs to maintain and improve amenities in the park as well as to provide security and staffing.

Recent park improvements include adding a second picnic shelter and outdoor amphitheater, adding bathroom facilities at the Boat Landing, servicing the bathroom/changing area at Bennett Springs, adding a water-bottle filling station at the Boat Landing, installing an 80-foot long floating fishing pier, repairing the boat launch docks and providing facility maintenance/trash collection at the Boat Landing. Funds also support the maintenance of the fire road so that emergency vehicles can access the Natural Reserve if needed.

The Water Authority also provides staffing at the Boat Landing to provide safety and security for park users.

DOWNLOAD THE NOTICE OF CHANGES

To attend the public hearing virtually, contact gayle.shrewsbury@westernvawater.org or (540) 283-2906.