Posted Nov 11, 2012 | Updated Apr 6, 2017

This series will focus on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) at our Virginia State Parks. Part 8 asks the question "Is this an eagle feather? Can I keep it?" and more FAQs from Mason Neck State Park.

Mason Neck State Park in Virginia where eagles soar

SO WHAT ABOUT SALT WATER, DOGS, CANOES AND FEATHERS?

Our Park Naturalist at Mason Neck State Park would like to share some FAQs from the park and the answers:

1. Do you rent boats?

Yes, you can rent me at the park

Yes, we rent canoes and kayaks hourly or for the entire day, from April to October. You can also enjoy a park program that includes paddling like guided canoe trips of Kane's Creek and Belmont Bay. Click here for more info on park programs.

If you want to BYO there is a car-top canoe launch available for your use. But there is no motor-boat launch area at the park.

Family fun exploring the park together in a kayak or canoe

2. Can I bring my dog?

Dogs with well-behaved owners are allowed to visit Mason Neck State Park

Yes, as long as your pet stays on a leash no longer than 6' and kept under control at all times. Dogs love Virginia State Parks. Learn more about pet policies at the parks here.

3. Are you open today?

Yes, we are open every day, 365 days a year. If we have a weather event like a hurricane or blizzard or trees block the road and we have to close, we will post a banner alert on the park's web page. When in doubt, check it before leaving home.

4. Are there any eagles here?

Yes, we're so glad you asked. Mason Neck State Park has a resident bald eagle population of approximately 60-80 eagles who live here year-round. There are approximately 5 active bald eagle nests here at the park. Bring your camera when you visit.

5. Is the water (Belmont Bay) fresh water or salt water?

Yes, it is both, fresh and salt water

The water of Belmont Bay are mostly fresh water, although it can occasionally become brackish (a mix of fresh and salt water).

This means fresh and brackish water fishing are both available, but you must have valid Virginia or Maryland fishing license.

6. Is this an eagle feather? Can I keep it?

Feathers found in the park fall under Federal Protection

We frequently have people bring in eagle feathers they find here in the park. The eagle feathers are protected under the U.S. Federal Eagle Protection Act of 1940 which prohibits people from having any part of an eagle (bald and golden eagles), including their feathers, in their possession. 

If you have a feather or are trying to sell an eagle feather you are in violation of U.S. Federal Law. You can be charged with a misdemeanor and fined up to $100,000. 

Other native bird feathers from here in the park might be protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which if a person is caught with a protected feather from a migratory bird species (including common birds like northern cardinals, blue jays, and mourning doves) the charge is a misdemeanor and the person could be fined up to $15,000. 

These two acts not only protect the birds themselves, but also their nesting activities.

WHAT DO YOU DO WITH THE FEATHERS?

We collect all the eagle feathers people bring to us at the park and send them to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife repository in Colorado where the eagle feathers are counted and then distributed to Native American peoples who can apply to receive these feathers. The feathers are very significant for the Native American culture and used in healing ceremonies and in ritual attire. This way Native Americans can still obtain eagle feathers legally, and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service can regulate the distribution to eliminate the need for a feather “black market."

LEARN MORE

Learn more about Mason Neck State Park here. Just a short drive from Washington, D.C., this Northern Virginia State Park offers many outdoor activities and programs.

Mason Neck State Park has hiking trails, three miles of paved multi-use trails, a large picnic area, a playground, a car-top canoe launch and a visitor center. Canoe, kayak and bicycle rentals are also available.

Bird watching, especially for American bald eagles, and guided canoe trips of Kane's Creek and Belmont Bay are popular activities here at the park.

The park's wetlands, forest, open water, ponds and open fields make it ideal for environmental study and wildlife observation. Nearby attractions include the Elizabeth Hartwell National Wildlife Refuge, Gunston Hall and Pohick Bay Regional Park.

This is a day-use only park, there are no overnight accommodations available (call 800-933-PARKS to find nearby camping and cabins).

Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton, VA 22079; Phone: 703-339-2380 (visitor center); click here to email the park. Click here for a Google map. 

THE AIR IS FRESHER OUTSIDE

VIRGINIA STATE PARKS

Editor's Note: This blog is being replayed for your information, if you have any further questions, as always please feel free to ask here in the blog comments, or on our Virginia State Parks Facebook page when this article posts.

Posted on Nov 11, 2012 | Updated on Apr 6, 2017