Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge
Management

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service refuge managers and biologists manage habitats on National Wildlife Refuges to conserve, restore, and protect fish, wildlife, and plants. Habitat management ensures Americans that their natural heritage will be conserved for future generations to enjoy. 

Perhaps the most noticeable management technique on the refuge is the careful manipulation of water levels in the moist soil management units. Chincoteague Refuge has 14 such units that total over 2,600 acres. Water control structures in these moist-soil management units allow biologists to lower water levels in the spring to create a mudflat-type environment to attract shorebirds. Biologists also reduce water levels in the moist-soil management units to concentrate fish for wading birds to feed upon, grow plants as a food source for waterfowl, and reduce the number of plants that are low in nutrition for wildlife. 

In the fall, water control structures are closed to catch rainwater in the moist-soil management units. The higher water levels provide habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds. This careful manipulation of water levels is vital in attracting the wide variety of birds and other wildlife to the refuge. 

Restoration of the maritime forest, due to outbreaks of the southern pine beetle, is another refuge management activity. To prevent and slow the spread of southern pine beetles, refuge biologists perform timber stand improvement activities such as thinning and prescribed burning. Native hardwood trees including oak, dogwood, and persimmon, are planted to replace damaged loblolly pines and to enhance habitat for Delmarva Fox Squirrel and other species of wildlife, particularly songbirds. 

Refuge staff are also heavily involved with managing and protecting the threatened piping plover, a beach nesting shorebird that uses all of the refuge's barrier islands. Biologists place protective closures around nests, control predation, and intensively monitor chicks from March through August. 

Protecting sensitive habitats by closing areas, also helps to protect threatened and endangered species such as the piping plover and Delmarva Peninsula fox squirrel. Setting aside certain habitat areas to reduce disturbance by people helps preserve the natural heritage that many Americans have come to love and treasure. 

Photos by: Irene Hinki Sacilotto (IHS), Michael Colopy (MC),
 Robert Wilson (REW), and USFWS.

Website designed and donated by Kathryn Schroer