Alligator River and Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs) are seeking applications from qualified agricultural producers to conduct farming activities for their Cooperative Agriculture Programs in Dare, Washington, and Hyde Counties, NC.
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge
Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge in Dare County is seeking applications from qualified agricultural producers to conduct farming activities for its Cooperative Agriculture Program. Agricultural practices on the refuge are primarily for providing food for wildlife with a focus on wintering waterfowl. The selected applicant(s) will operate under a Cooperative Agriculture Agreement (CAA) as a “cooperator” with the Refuge for five growing seasons, 2026-2030. There are three Areas available for bid with 593 to 929 acres for crops. Rent will be a crop share-split between the refuge and cooperator(s). Full details are in the Alligator River NWR Notice of Agriculture Opportunity below.
To be considered, applicants must complete and submit a FWS Special Use Permit Form 3-1383-C and Bid Sheet 3-1384. Application packets are available linked below, at the Coastal North Carolina National Wildlife Refuges Gateway Visitor Center, or by contacting Kelley Van Druten at (252) 475-0172 or kelley_vandruten@fws.gov. Bid packets must be returned to Kelley via email, mail, or in person by December 22, 2025 at 4:00 pm. Selections will be made by December 30, 2025.
e-mail Address: kelley_vandruten@fws.gov
Physical Address: Alligator River NWR, 100 Conservation Way, Manteo, NC 27954
Mailing Address: Kelley Van Druten, PO Box 1969, Manteo, NC 27954
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is seeking applications from qualified agricultural producers to conduct farming activities for its Cooperative Agriculture Program in Washington and Hyde Counties, NC. Agricultural practices on the refuge are primarily for providing food for wildlife with a focus on wintering waterfowl. The selected applicant(s) will operate under a Cooperative Agriculture Agreement (CAA) as a “cooperator” with the Refuge for five growing seasons, 2026-2030. There are six Areas available for bid with 71 to 366 acres for crops. Rent will be a crop share-split between the Refuge and cooperator(s). Full details are in the Pocosin Lakes NWR Notice of Agriculture Opportunity below.
Application Instructions
To be considered, applicants must complete and submit a FWS Special Use Permit Form 3-1383-C and a Bid Sheet 3-1384, linked below. Application packets are also available by contacting Kelley Van Druten, (252) 475-0172 or kelley_vandruten@fws.gov, or at the Pocosin Lakes Office. Office hours vary so please call ahead, (252) 256-0316. Bid packets must be returned to Kelley via email, mail, or in person by December 22, 2025 at 4:00 pm. Selections will be made by December 30, 2025.
e-mail Address: kelley_vandruten@fws.gov
Physical Address: Pocosin Lakes NWR,205 South Ludington, Dr, Columbia, NC 27925
Mailing Address: Kelley Van Druten, PO Box 1969, Manteo, NC 27954
Successful applicants will be selected through an open and competitive process. Applications will be scored and ranked based on the criteria described in the bid form. All applicants will be notified of selections by December 30, 2025.
For more information, please contact Kelley Van Druten at (252) 475-0172 or kelley_vandruten@fws.gov.
