Chapter 4 Habitats
4.5.19 White Oak River Basin 4.5.19.1 River Basin Description
The White Oak River Basin lies entirely within the Coastal Plain and is composed of four small river systems (New River, White Oak River, Newport River, and North River), which all drain south directly into the Atlantic Ocean and associated sounds. The White Oak River is approximately 40 miles long and is a blackwater river. This basin encompasses 1,382 square miles, making it the smallest basin contained entirely within the state. There are 1,571 stream miles, 3,777 acres of freshwater lakes and impoundments, and 132 miles of Atlantic coastline in the basin (NCDWR 2015d, h) . Due to the location and size of this basin, there is a relatively small amount of freshwater habitat available, but what is available has the characteristics typical of Coastal Plain streams: meandering waters associated with swamps, hardwood bottomlands, and wetland communities ( NCDWQ 2007e) . The White Oak River Basin is located mostly in Onslow County and the southern portions of Jones, Craven, and Carteret counties. All or parts of 16 municipalities are located in the basin, including Jacksonville, Newport, Morehead City, and Beaufort. Figure 4.5.19-1 depicts the geographic location of the basin.
Figure 4.5.19-1 Location of the White Oak River Basin.
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2025 NC Wildlife Action Plan
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