U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Makes Available For Public Comment NCWRC Lantern Acres Game Land Project Draft Compatibility Determination for Installing an Electric Utility Line and Constructing a Second Well within the Conservation Easement Area

Refuge Manager Wendy Stanton announced today the Draft Compatibility Determination for the installation of an electric underground utility line on Lantern Acres Game Land owned by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission with restrictions on uses through a Conservation Easement Deed.  The Conservation Easement is administered by Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, Tyrrell County, North Carolina.  Comments are being sought on the benefits and impacts from installing the electric utility line for the purpose of replacing an aging diesel powered generator.

Federal wildlife refuges are required by law to determine the compatibility of any proposed non-wildlife dependent use with the mission of the national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.

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system and the purpose for which a particular refuge was established.  “The mission of Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge is to protect migratory birds and other native wildlife and their breeding grounds and habitat for the benefit of the American people,” stated Stanton.  She added, “We want the community to be informed about the work being proposed and to have an opportunity to weigh in on the pros and cons of that work.”

If you wish to review the Draft Compatibility Determination, copies are available at the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Visitor Center in Columbia, at the Tyrrell County Public Library in Columbia, and on the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge web site. The 14 day public comment period is December 14 through December 29, 2023.  Written comments may be sent to:  Refuge Manager, Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge PO Box 329 Columbia, NC 27925 or emailed to pocosinlakes@fws.gov.

All comments must be submitted no later than close of business (4:00 PM) December 29, 2023.  If you need additional information, please contact Refuge Manager Wendy Stanton at 252-796-3004.