About the Refuge

Buck Island NWR, St. Thomas, was established in 1969. The refuge consists of the entire 45-acre island. The refuge extends to sea level and does not include submerged or marine habitat. Initially, the Service obtained approximately 35 acres of the island from the U.S. Navy in 1969. An additional 9 acres were obtained from the U.S. Coast Guard in 1981. The final 0.92-acre parcel, which included the historic iron lighthouse, was obtained from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2004. The purpose for establishment of the refuge was its “… particular value in carrying out the national migratory bird management program.”