PLANNING UPDATE for Proposed Boundary Expansions at 10 National Wildlife Refuges in Coastal Georgia and South Carolina Lowcountry at the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex and South Carolina Lowcountry Refuges Complex.
Highlights of the Proposal:
- Hunting and other permitted recreational uses would continue on existing public recreational areas, including state Wildlife Management Areas under jurisdictions of the states. The Service is not seeking to manage those existing public conservation areas; the Service is seeking to add lands to the existing conservation network in this important landscape.
- The proposal would not affect state navigable waters; fishing and boating would continue on those waters under state regulations.
- Being included within the proposed boundary expansion area would not affect how owners use their property or to whom they may choose to sell their property. The boundary expansion simply allows the Service to acquire lands that meet our conservation priorities through purchase from willing sellers or donations.
- If finalized, the proposal would conserve about 10% of the outlined Conceptual Focus Areas, aligning with Georgia and South Carolina goals, both State Wildlife Action Plans, and the Southeast Conservation Blueprint. Implementation of the proposed expansions could take many decades.
- The Service's policy is to work with willing sellers.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Major Boundary Expansions for National Wildlife Refuges in Coastal Georgia and South Carolina Lowcountry at the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex and South Carolina Lowcountry Refuges Complex. Click here to learn more.
A recent low tide revealed damage to the pilings and cross-braces of both fishing piers, located at the refuge entrance. Due to the potentially hazardous condition, both fishing piers will remain closed until repairs can be made. Please obey all signs and barricades.
Dogs and other domestic pets are not allowed on refuge lands, including all trails and beaches. This is especially important on the beaches of Wassaw and Blackbeard Island NWRs to protect declining shorebird and seabird populations that rely on these areas for survival. In addition to the potential for disturbance to wildlife and other visitors, dogs are easy prey for American alligators which are abundant on all refuges in the Complex. You may have your pet while driving the wildlife drives at Savannah and Harris Neck NWRs, but they are not allowed to leave your vehicle.
Harris Neck NWR will be closed Thursday 10/1, Friday 10/2, and Saturday 10/3 for the first of two annual managed deer hunts. Only hunters with a refuge hunt permit will be allowed entry. The entrance gate will close at sunset on Thursday 9/30 and remain closed throughout the hunt. It will reopen at sunrise on Sunday 10/4.
Visit Us
National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge offers a variety of opportunities to explore and enjoy the great outdoors from sunrise to sunset every day. You can observe and photograph wildlife, fish, or during the season, hunt white-tailed deer.
Harris Neck NWR is open from sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week. Due to staffing shortages, the visitor contact station is closed until further notice.
Location and Contact Information
Our Species
Harris Neck NWR provides premier nesting, foraging, and wintering habitat for a diversity of wildlife, including nearly 350 species of birds. Signature species include threatened wood storks, which nest in a large colony on Woody Pond, and the colorful and uncommon painted bunting.