From Pocosin Wildlife Refuge

Refuge Manager Scott Lanier announced today the Draft Compatibility Determination for the Cape Hatteras Electric Cooperative Request for Amending Right-of-Way to allow relocation of utility poles and transmission line near the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center for public review and comment until March 15. The proposed utility corridor relocation will be conducted on Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge. Comments are being sought on the benefits and impacts from amending the existing utility Right-of-Way.

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 system and the purpose for which a particular refuge was established. The mission of Pea Island 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 Lanier. He 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 Pea Island National Wildlife Visitor Center, at the NC Gateway National Wildlife Refuge Headquarters Refuge Headquarters at 100 Conservation Way in Manteo, at the Dare County Public Library in Manteo, and on the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge web site at www.fws.gov/ncgatewayvc. Written comments may be sent to: Refuge Manager, Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge PO Box 1969 Manteo 27954 or emailed to alligatorriver@fws.gov. All comments must be submitted no later than close of business at 4 p.m. on March 15. If you need additional information, please contact Assistant Refuge Manager Art Beyer at 252-473-1132 ext 235.