September 5, 2026
Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources
Richmond County Requesting No Wake Areas
Richmond County Board of Supervisors voted to grant local approval for three proposed no wake zones, a step required before the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) can consider final authorization.
Westmoreland Takes Action on Gardy’s Mill Pond Dam
In May of last year, a failure was discovered in Gardy’s Mill Pond Dam, where Westmoreland and Northumberland County meet. The Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR), which man‑ages the dam, spent the next 14 months conducting community meetings in both counties, getting input from the locals as they pre‑sented some options while putting a notch in the dam that allowed for the free flow of water in order to stabilize the structure. During that time, an online petition called “Help Save Gardy’s Millpond” gained 215 signatures.
DWR accepting public comments on regulation and fee changes
The Virginia Board of Wildlife Resources is seeking public input on a package of proposed changes to wildlife, fisheries, boating, hunting, trapping, and camping regulations, along with increases to several outdoor recreation fees.
Gardy’s Mill Pond meeting leads to heated reactions
On May 28, the Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) held a public comment meeting at the Callao Fire Department to review possible solutions for Gardy’s Mill Pond and its dam. The 75-acre pond is located on the Northumberland-Westmoreland county line, with the boat ramp area located on the Westmoreland side. It is the only public pond in Northumberland County.