What we Do

Refuges deploy a host of scientifically sound management tools to address biological challenges. These tools span active water management to wilderness character monitoring, all aimed at ensuring a balanced conservation approach to benefit both wildlife and people.  At this field station our conservation tool box includes:

• Air Quality Protection: The refuge is a part of the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) program that includes the Air Quality Research Center (AQRC) of UC Davis, and other federal agencies. The IMPROVE program measures and documents air pollution and tracks visibility, collecting and analyzing sulfate, nitrate, organic matter, soot, soil dust and salt. The refuge participates in the National Atmospheric Deposition Program (NADP) to monitor precipitation chemistry, studying acids and nutrients to improve our understanding of acidic precipitation and its environmental effects. In 2020, the refuge installed a solar powered system to further support monitoring equipment.
• Climate Resilience: Rising sea levels and accelerated erosion of beach and marsh habitats are challenges posed by climate for this coastal refuge. Climate mitigation efforts include maintaining roads, dikes and impoundments on Bulls Island, conducting wildlife and vegetation surveys, and evaluating potential future land acquisition areas.
• Cultural Resources: On Bulls Island, cultural history is evidenced by ancient shell mounds deposited by Native Americans, the foundation remains of a 1700’s fort, and a large vacation home built in 1927 by the last private owner of the island. Two 1800’s lighthouses and other archeological remains are found on Lighthouse Island. These sites are maintained for their historical values to the American people. Six guided tours to Lighthouse Island to view the historic lighthouses are offered annually through the refuge concession.
• Education and Outreach: Environmental education, interpretive programs and outreach events are regularly scheduled at the Sewee Visitor and Environmental Education Center, offered in partnership with Francis Marion National Forest and the Friends of Coastal South Carolina. Our Friends works with refuge staff and volunteers to manage and deliver the education programming for the refuge. Coastal Expeditions, the contracted concession, conducts guided interpretive tours and environmental education programs on Bulls Island and other areas on the refuge.
• Habitat Restoration: The uplands on Bulls Island are managed to promote the growth of the maritime forest and control exotic plants like Chinese tallow. Mechanical and application methods are used to control this plant and other invasive species such as phragmites and bamboo in the water impoundments on Bulls Island.
• Law Enforcement: Law enforcement officials work closely with local, state, and federal agencies to protect wildlife and habitat and to ensure public safety on the refuge. Officials enforce hunting, fishing, boating and safety regulations and enforce the migratory bird treaty act.
• Loggerhead Sea Turtle Nest Protection:  Nests on island beaches are located daily during the nesting season. If necessary, nests are relocated to safer areas to protect from water intrusion and erosion. Activities include nest marking, caging, monitoring, predator control, and genetic sampling.
• Management of Water Impoundments: Impoundments on Bulls Island are managed to maximize food production for wintering waterfowl and shorebirds and to maintain habitat for resident bird species. Water control structures operate with the tides and, water levels in impoundments are manipulated to make food available during fall and winter months and to allow for new plant germination during early spring. Salt water may be added during summer months to control undesirable plant growth or to allow the influx of larval marine organisms and fish. Water quality is monitored for salinity levels and contaminants.
• Protection of Nesting Seabirds and Shorebirds: During the spring and summer months, important bird areas for nesting and fledging are temporarily closed to the public. This includes island areas on an annual basis and a system of mobile closures used for species that do not always nest in the same areas year after year. “Area closed” signs are placed around nesting perimeters and include a large buffer zone. Once chicks have fledged, the signs are removed.
• Trapping: Predator trapping is utilized on the refuge as a management tool for the conservation and protection of threatened species populations and is prohibited by the public. Trapping is used to control excessive depredation by mink, raccoon and coyote of threatened sea turtles and nesting seabirds and shorebird colonies. All trapping activity adheres to the state depredation permit issued to the refuge.
• Recreation Management: Fishing
  Saltwater fishing for seatrout, flounder, red drum, sheepshead and other species accounts for over half of the recreational activity in the refuge, occurring throughout the estuary waters, off the beaches and on the 1,100- foot pier at Garris Landing. Shellfish and crustaceans including oysters, clams, crabs and shrimp are harvested commercially and for recreation. All fishing is managed by the state and is in accordance with applicable state regulations and licenses.
• Recreation Management: Hunting
  The refuge offers archery hunts for White-tailed deer on Bulls Island to maintain the deer population at a level compatible with the habitat, provide wholesome recreation opportunities and permit the use of a valuable renewable resource. Federal and state hunt regulations apply, and all appropriate state licenses are required for refuge hunts. Please see the refuge hunt permit for details.

The Cape Romain NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) describes how the refuge will contribute to the mission of the Refuge System.