Ducks Unlimited recently secured funding in partnership with Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) to enhance 307 acres of managed wetlands on the refuge for waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds and other wetland-dependent species within the Southern Outer Banks Focus Area of the Atlantic Coast Joint Venture (ACJV) South Atlantic Migratory Bird Initiative Area. The ACJV Waterfowl Implementation Plan identifies the importance of Pea Island to waterfowl and other migratory birds as over 300 bird species have been sighted on or near the refuge.

The proposed contract work includes installation of an aluminum half round riser between existing managed impoundments to enable refuge staff to move water between units to manage these units for quality waterfowl and water bird habitat. The proposed project also includes the installation of a pump station and power unit to address the refuge's lack of reliable water delivery into and out of the South Pond impoundment in the project area.

These improvements will allow USFWS refuge managers to achieve independent management of impoundments, encourage production of quality forage for waterfowl, provide mudflats and sheet water for shorebird foraging habitat and control undesirable plant species. Construction of this project is slated for 2020.