Carolina Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge - South Carolina - National Wildlife Refuges on Waymarking.com

Refuge Facts ¦ Established: 1939. ¦ Acres: 45,348. ¦ Located in Chesterfield County, SC. ¦ Other management: conservation easements—nine in five counties totaling 871 acres; fee title tracts —1 totaling 210 acres in Marlboro County. ¦ Location: the refuge is located 4 miles north of McBee, SC on U.S. Highway 1. Natural History ¦ The refuge lies along the fall line which separates the Piedmont Plateau from the Atlantic Coastal Plain. Rolling beds of deep sandy soils are host to an extensive longleaf pine forest. This refuge is a premier showcase area for progressive longleaf pine/ wiregrass management and restoration efforts. ¦ The largest population of endangered red-cockaded woodpeckers within the refuge system are found here (more than 130 family groups); rare plants including several carnivorous plants are found on the refuge along with the unusual pine barrens treefrog. ¦ Thirty ponds and lakes along with 1,400 acres of fields and forest openings add diversity to the more than 42,000 acres of forested woodlands found on the refuge. Financial Impact of Refuge ¦ 11-person staff. ¦ 50,000-60,000 visitors annually. ¦ Current budget (FY 05) $623,000. ¦ Revenue sharing payments to Chesterfield County average $200,000 annually; timber sales and other receipts average $200,000 - $250,000 annually. Scott Lanier, Refuge Manager Carolina Sandhills NWR 23734 Highway 1 McBee, SC 29101 Phone: 843/335 8401 Fax: 843/335 8406 E-mail: FW4RWCarolinaSandhills@fws.gov Refuge Objectives ¦ Restore, maintain and enhance longleaf pine habitat and associated plant and animal species. ¦ To preserve, restore and enhance endangered or threatened species with special emphasis on the red-cockaded woodpecker. ¦ To provide habitat for migratory birds. ¦ To provide opportunities for environmental education, interpretation and wildlifeoriented recreation. ¦ To demonstrate sound land management practices that enhance natural resource conservation. Management Tools ¦ Prescribed burning of 12,000 to 15,000 acres annually. ¦ Selective timber harvesting to improve diversity and meet habitat requirements of the redcockaded woodpecker. ¦ Cooperative farming. ¦ Water management for waterfowl. ¦ Population management for deer, turkey and small game (managed hunting). ¦ Fisheries management. ¦ Partnerships. ¦ Outreach/interpretation/ education. ¦ Law enforcement. Public Use Opportunities ¦ Nine mile paved auto tour route. ¦ Two designated hiking trails (one and three miles). ¦ Numerous wildlife observation sites. ¦ Fishing ponds. U.S. Fish & Wildlife service

Sign near headquarters

Headquarters and info

Wildlife Drive

Lake Bee

my sons at the Martins Lake observation tower