Refuge Facts

Established: 1990 (the 12,000-acre Pungo Unit was established as Pungo National Wildlife Refuge in 1963, then merged into Pocosin Lakes, when it was established).
Acres: 110,106 (90,000 donated).
Located in Hyde, Tyrrell, and Washington Counties, NC; Headquarters located in Columbia.

Financial Impact of the Refuge

13-person staff.
63,000 visitors annually.
Annual operating budget $2.1 million (FY 07).

Habitat Description

Predominant vegetation type is southeastern shrub bog which is also known as pocosin.  This type is characterized by a very dense growth of mostly broadleaf evergreen shrubs with scattered pond pine.