Fiscal Year 2002 (October 1, 2001 through September 30, 2002) saw a significant increase in refuge visitation - and this translated into record sales and income for the CNHA. Initiation of a tour operation (that conducted three tours per day, seven days per week) from Memorial Day weekend through Labor bay weekend also contributed to record-breaking sales in excess of $285,000, total income of more than $296,000, and a net income of over $91,000.

The success of our operations allowed CNHA to award grants of $52,000 and $13,000 to the Chincoteague and Eastern Shore refuges, respectively. It also allowed the CNHA to provide $10,000 for the upcoming Centennial celebration, and to increase the amount "set aside" for funding educational and interpretive exhibits for the new visitor center to nearly $100,000. A summary of the CNHA's finances and grant awards is depicted below.

2003 "Wish List" Grants

Internships - $18,200
Funding for 12-week internships to assist with environmental education, interpretive and biological programs.

Centennial Activities - $13,000
Funds to support centennial events.

Volunteer Program - $6,500
Funding for training, awards, supplies, "uniforms", and travel to national conf.

Environmental Ed & Outreach - $12,000
Funding for supplies, teachers aides manuals, workbooks, EE materials, and elementary school student field trips. Interns and, materials for public education and outreach re plover and other shorebird nesting on barrier islands.

CREAC/Habitat Set-Aside - $5,800
Addition to funds for visitor center educational & interpretive exhibits.

Jr. Birder/Refuge Manager - $4,200
Funding for design and production of Jr. Birder & Jr. Refuge Manager books and patches.

CREAC Advocate Recognition - $3,000
Funding for appropriate tokens of appreciation to recognize groups & individuals that played key roles in securing resources and support for the CNWR education & admin. facility.

Other Items - $2,500

Frank V. Moore, CNHA Treasurer