Land Stewardship
Forest or field, public or private, high country or cypress-ringed swamp—land is where conservation starts. Every acre matters, which is why the N.C. Wildlife Federation’s work on behalf of land stewardship encompasses projects as diverse as landscape-scale planning for large public holdings and backyard habitat improvements for homeowners.


Project: Bonner Bridge

The Issue: Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is located on the north end of Hatteras Island, and was created nearly 70 years ago to provide critical habitat for migratory birds. It is known as a birder’s paradise, with more than 365 bird species present. Several shorebird nesting areas and wading bird rookeries are located on the refuge, along with 1,000 acres of waterfowl impoundments. Several endangered and threatened species can also be found here, including peregrine falcons, piping plovers, and loggerhead sea turtles. The refuge is accessed across the Oregon Inlet from Bodie Island via the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge, a 42-year old span that is nearing the end of its useful life and must be replaced. Two replacement bridge corridors have been proposed.


The Action: NCWF will monitor the wildlife issues and habitat implications of the proposed bridge corridors, and will work for the option most compatible with Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.