York River islands to be preserved for science, education

GLOUCESTER POINT

The Catlett Islands have existed for some 65,000 years, peeking from the York River like gnarled green fingers reaching for the shore.

Covered in scrub, salt marsh and sand dunes, the uninhabited islands had been owned by the Catlett family since the 1700s. Scientists and students have combed the islands since then to conduct ecological research. But rumors have persisted that the Catletts might be developed into waterfront homes.

No more.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced a grant last week for $1.49 million so nearly all of the islands, covering about 450 acres, can be purchased and added permanently to the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve.

One small piece, about 45 acres, will remain in private hands, owned by a Virginia Beach family, according to officials.

The Virginia Institute of Marine Science, local caretakers of the research reserve, will be the new owner of the rest of the Catlett Islands - as soon as VIMS officials conclude a purchase agreement with the current owner, Timberneck LLC, a Newport News development company.

Timberneck will retain a large, landward piece of the Catlett holdings, where it intends to construct an environmentally sensitive community with scientific and educational access to the islands, officials said.

The company could have platted about 600 home sites on the property but instead chose to pursue about 45 lots, each marketed toward local history and the science reserve.

In addition, an old family home, known as Timberneck Hall, is being shopped nationally to historic preservationists who might want to buy the two-story, 200-year-old structure and renovate it. The asking price, along with a smokehouse and 14 acres of adjacent lands: $2.9 million, according to Timberneck LLC's Web site.

"We're pleased with Timberneck LLC's decision and excited by the opportunity to enhance our studies and conserve this pristine ecosystem," said William Reay, director of the Chesapeake Bay research reserve, which includes other islands that dot the York River basin.

The $1.49 million in federal money is a competitive grant, meaning other projects were in the running for the funds.

"These funds will help VIMS continue its excellent work and protect the reserve from any unintentional negative impact from development," said U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, a Republican whose district includes the Catlett Islands.

The islands are about five miles from the VIMS campus in Gloucester Point, near the Coleman Bridge and upriver from Yorktown.

Reay, the reserve director, described the islands as "stunningly beautiful," where herons roost and an array of native plants and trees grow the same way they have for centuries.

Reay did express concern that rising sea levels might some day swallow the Catletts, though he was hopeful that island marshes might slowly, naturally migrate toward land and survive.

Scott Harper, (757) 446-2340, scott.harper@pilotonline.com