Hardwood removal to enhance pine-pocosin habitat for reintroduction of endangered red-cockaded woodpecker.
operations, their ability to retain carbon was diminished, resulting in releases of carbon to the atmosphere and adjacent waters. When these lands became part of Pocosin Lakes NWR in 1990, managers began restoring water levels. The refuge has restored nearly 20,000 acres of peatland by installing water control structures and raising roads (dikes) along canals, both of which raise water levels and promote sheet flow through water level management. The restored hydrology is expected to slow the loss of carbon from soil oxidation and create conditions suitable for peat accumulation, resulting in retention of an estimated 130 million pounds of carbon per year. Restoration of an additional 6,640 acres is planned and will render refuge and surrounding private lands more resilient to climate-driven stressors (such as large storms, catastrophic fire and droughts). When
16 Biological Carbon Sequestration Accomplishments Report
complete, improved water management capability over 30,000 acres will ultimately leverage additional restoration via private carbon-based financing on strategic parcels selected by stakeholders to enhance resiliency and provide wildlife retreat corridors to adapt to climate-driven habitat change. A study (click here to link) is underway to measure changes in carbon and nitrogen dynamics in response to restoration/water level management, which will document the carbon benefits of pocosin restoration. These data can be used in other peatland hydrology restoration efforts. Great Dismal Swamp NWR, Virginia (Region 5) prepared by Chris Lowie, Region 5
Great Dismal Swamp NWR has been installing water control structures and manipulating water levels in ditches since the refuge was