Though direct impacts to wildlife, such as death or physical injury, are rare, there may be indirect impacts as a result of the noise levels or other effects. It has also partnered on several major public use projects, including Creef Cut Wildlife Trail and two travelers advisory AM radio stations.
Fire is a natural process.
Much of the refuge is pocosin habitat which typically has a natural fire cycle of 3 to 7 years. Native Americans were known to set fires to aid in hunting game and to promote better access to the woods and marshes. The results were more open conditions in the marshes and woodlands and very diverse and productive wildlife habitats. FWS starts fires on the refuge to reduce hazardous fuel conditions and to mimic the natural fires of the past. Many plant species, such as pond pine, are fire dependent and need fire to reseed and maintain a healthy stand.