PLANNING UPDATE for Proposed Boundary Expansions at 10 National Wildlife Refuges in Coastal Georgia and South Carolina Lowcountry at the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex and South Carolina Lowcountry Refuges Complex.
Highlights of the Proposal:
- Hunting and other permitted recreational uses would continue on existing public recreational areas, including state Wildlife Management Areas under jurisdictions of the states. The Service is not seeking to manage those existing public conservation areas; the Service is seeking to add lands to the existing conservation network in this important landscape.
- The proposal would not affect state navigable waters; fishing and boating would continue on those waters under state regulations.
- Being included within the proposed boundary expansion area would not affect how owners use their property or to whom they may choose to sell their property. The boundary expansion simply allows the Service to acquire lands that meet our conservation priorities through purchase from willing sellers or donations.
- If finalized, the proposal would conserve about 10% of the outlined Conceptual Focus Areas, aligning with Georgia and South Carolina goals, both State Wildlife Action Plans, and the Southeast Conservation Blueprint. Implementation of the proposed expansions could take many decades.
- The Service's policy is to work with willing sellers.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Major Boundary Expansions for National Wildlife Refuges in Coastal Georgia and South Carolina Lowcountry at the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex and South Carolina Lowcountry Refuges Complex. Click here to learn more.
Please be aware when visiting Pinckney Island NWR that there are no on-site staff or public amenities such as restrooms, drinking water, and shelter in the event of severe weather. Beyond the parking area, all movement within the refuge is on foot or bicycle and it is approximately a 2-mile walk round-trip from the parking area to the first pond (Ibis). Visitors should check forecasted weather conditions prior to visiting and make sure you bring plenty of drinking water. In cases of emergency, please call 911.
Visit Us
Pinckney Island NWR is open from sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week. The refuge is unstaffed and managed remotely from headquarters located at Savannah National Wildlife Refuge in Hardeeville, SC. There are no visitor facilities such as a visitor center, restrooms, drinking water or shelter from inclement weather. Please plan accordingly before heading out on a long hike and if hiking/biking alone, be sure to let a friend or family member know where you are and when you expect to return.
Vehicles are only allowed as far as the parking area and visitors must walk or bicycle through the refuge from there. Bicycles (including ebikes) are a perfect way to explore the extensive trail system. There are no bike rentals available so visitors must bring their own.