Biden administration announces expansion of Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge

On Tuesday April 16th, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) unveiled a new land protection plan for up to 287,090 acres of land to be added to the Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge in eastern North Carolina. The refuge, located less than 20 miles from the Albemarle Sound, will now include a wildlife corridor along the Roanoke River from Weldon to the river’s confluence with the sound. 

Under the new plan, the FWS is approved to acquire land along a 137-mile river corridor, which will protect the forest surrounding the river as valuable wildlife habitat. The expansion will eventually allow the refuge to stretch along 83,000 acres. The FWS will also be allowed to protect an additional 100,000 acres through conservation easements, which are voluntary agreements with private landowners to maintain work on private lands as long as there is no further development. The rest of the available conservation area will be on land owned by public and private partners. 

The Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge is an invaluable stretch of wild space in eastern North Carolina. According to the FWS press release announcing the expansion, the expanded area will now support “at least five heron rookeries” and priceless habitat for migratory birds along the eastern seaboard. In addition, at-risk wildlife such as the Atlantic sturgeon and cerulean warblers will benefit from this focused effort at conservation. Even our national symbol, the imperiled bald eagle, lives in the Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge.

The expansion of the refuge isn’t just for at-risk species, though. Species such as wild turkeys, wood ducks, and white-tailed deer count on the floodplain forest for access to food, water, shelter and mating areas. Atlantic sturgeon, striped bass and snapping turtles make their homes in the Roanoke River itself and its banks. 

Adding thousands of acres to this wildlife refuge is a huge win for conservation efforts in North Carolina. Wild spaces like the Roanoke River and its surrounding floodplain forest are vital parts of the state’s natural biodiversity, and actions like these are imperative to protect nature and the life it sustains from the impacts of climate change. The Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge is a special place for the inhabitants of North Carolina, human and animal alike, and these protections are a victory for all. Future generations of North Carolinians will be able to enjoy nature and its majesty for years to come.