Hog Island Wildlife Management Area

Ecology and Management

The impoundments at Hog Island WMA provide habitat to many waterfowl, shorebirds, saltmarsh birds, wading birds, and provides breeding and wintering habitat as well. This area also provides habitat for a range of invertebrates, fish, amphibians and reptiles, and mammals. The habitats that exist within the complex face a range of natural threats, including an ongoing invasion of Phragmites, which is treated on an annual/biennial basis. Erosion of outer marshes threatens integrity of the impoundment system, and nutria, Myocastor coypus, present a potential threat to dike and marsh integrity as does muskrat activity. The impoundments were constructed primarily for waterfowl management, which is still the primary management focus today. Waterfowl are managed through moist soil management.

Vulnerability

No over-topping or storm damage has been documented to date. Some erosion has occurred around the water control structures.

Human Value

The WMA and its impoundments are located in a relatively rural / agricultural area. However, there is a nuclear plant nearby. The area is primarily used for hunting and not educational purposes. No data exists on the number of visitors.

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Steve Living, Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, for providing helpful information used on this page.

Literature Resources