Commonwealth of Virginia
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Division of Parks
Special Use Permit
2003
A permit was issued to Back Bay Amateur Astronomers, effective
3/15/03 for the following 2003 dates;
April 5 Aug 2
May 3 Aug 30
May 31 Sept 27
June 28 Dec 27
Requested dates of Oct. 25 and Nov 22 are not available due to other
events. We may get alternative dates if we like. This permit allows
for access during time periods when the park is normally closed to
the public, therefore the following conditions must be STRICLY
adhered to:
1. A copy of the permit must be in the possession of a
responsible party representing the group at all times in which the
group, or individuals, are in the park after dark. Individuals
accessing the park under this permit must be respectful of park
enforcement staff and willing to identify themselves upon request.
2. This permit allows for special use, not exclusive use. On
occasion there are evening events at the Conference Shelter in which
lights may be in use. After-hours access and parking is RESTRICTED to
the Mansion Parking Lot. Club members are NOT permitted to access
other areas of the park after dark, other than the restrooms.
3. All vehicles accessing the park after hours under this permit
must be identified as such with a 8 ?" x 11" paper or placard in the
windshield that states "BBAA" in large letters.
4. As park roads are public, all laws of the Commonwealth apply
in regards to operation of motor vehicles. Headlights must remain on
at all times while on parks roads.
5. All normal park user fees apply, $3.00 per visit. The honor
system is in effect after hours for parking fees and participants
should follow instructions at contact station and hang tag receipt
from rear view mirror. Failure to pay fees may result in
cancellation of permit.
6. The park reserves the right to cancel this permit if any time
the activity is found to be in conflict with the park's overall
mission OR security efforts.
OK, now lets take this slow. It may look like a lot but it's not.
We have to remember, we are the only club that Chippokes has ever let
stay after dark. They (security) have never had nighttime visitors,
so they were all concerned about everything. So this permit sets all
the "rules" down for us. In order as above:
I will bring 4 copies of this permit with a set of rules for all the
officers to the ECSP or you may pick up your copy from me after this
Friday the 14th. No. 2 is pretty much self-explanatory, in other
words, stay in the parking lot. No. 3, I printed BBAA in large
letters on the computer and will keep it in my truck for future uses
or you can write BBAA on a piece of paper with a marker. Put it on
your dash when entering the park. No.4
The house by the parking lot is rented by security, so coming in,
make sure your lights are on until you pass their house then use
parking lights. When you leave, as soon as you point away from the
observers turn on headlights, at least before you get to end of
parking lot. No.5, it can't all be perfect. I am told because of
the latest round of budget cuts, higher cost in upkeep and so on, the
powers to be could no longer issue no fee permits. I pleaded, but
decision was not local. I personally have paid $15 to $25 for a
campsite in parks so I could observe in a safe environment. The
$3.00 fee gives you access to the park for all night and use of the
restrooms. We also get security, (even if you don't want it). I
would have loved to have gotten this site with no fees but I can
understand their dilemma. I sincerely hope this does not deter
anyone from attending nightwatch. The choice is really yours, is it
worth $3.00? IT IS TO ME.
See you there
Dale
