By Stephanie Caplan
The most-used state-managed boat ramp in Hyde County was renamed “Kelly N. Davis Boating Access” in a ceremony in Swan Quarter on April 22.
Davis, whose career has been dedicated to protecting wildlife, was honored at the close of her six-year term representing District 1 on the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC). She is the first woman to serve on the statewide commission.
“It takes a very special occasion for us to rename something,” NCWRC Executive Director Kyle Briggs told the crowd of 35 colleagues, family members and friends at the event.
According to the agency, this is only the second time a North Carolina boat access area has been renamed.
Davis’s career was in wildlife biology and conservation, primarily with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. She has lived in Hyde County for 46 years, a place she loves.
“This community and its natural richness are part of who I am and what I value,” she said. “Welcome to paradise,” Davis began her remarks after a blue tarp was lifted to reveal the new sign bearing her name.
The Kelly N. Davis Boating Access is located at 278 Oyster Creek Road.
True to accolades from NCWRC leadership, Davis turned the event meant to honor her into an opportunity to praise and thank others.
“It’s been a real privilege to work with some of the best, most dedicated people in the country — biologists, foresters, law enforcement officers and so many behind the scenes who make the resource beautiful, safe and available.”
Fellow Wildlife commissioners from across the state spoke of Davis’s passion, wildlife knowledge and friendly, accessible demeanor.
“Kelly is a most outstanding and knowledgeable commissioner. In my tenure, she is easily one of the best,” said the longest-serving commissioner, Wes Seegars, who championed the renaming effort. He has served since 1997. “She is so thoughtful in her discussions and decisions … to honor her service to the state was a very easy decision,” he said, adding that the renaming motion passed the 21-member Commission unanimously.
At-Large Commissioner Joseph Budd traveled from Winston-Salem to the ceremony and said he already misses Davis’s wisdom and perspective.
“She really made the resources that we’re blessed with in our state come first in our decisions,” he said.
Those resources go beyond traditional hunting and fishing game species.
“It was good to have Kelly in that role. She got you to think about not just hunting, but the non-game animals like frogs and turtles that just don’t get the attention,” said District 7 Commissioner David Hoyle. “Anything to do with hummingbirds and bees, she’s on it.”
District 1 Commissioner J. Carlton Cole echoed those sentiments: “She was my mentor,” he said. “Her hard work speaks for itself and there is no one more deserving.”
Davis has been working to protect wildlife and educate the public for decades. Hyde County Manager Kris Cahoon Noble attended the ceremony and remembered meeting Davis for the first time as a little girl on a 4-H outing. Davis was conducting a demonstration at Lake Mattamuskeet and walked to the front of the room draped in a long snake.
“I thought she was the coolest lady that ever lived,” Noble said.
Coming from the front lines with the U.S. Forest Service, Davis said she understands the important role played by those who are “the face of the agency.” During her tenure on the NCWRC, she said she has been impressed with the staff’s competence and friendliness and always knew if a member of the public had a question, she could connect them to an expert who was professional and responsive.
One of those frontline employees attending the event was Jaime Jallet.
“I’m so passionate about conservation,” she said. “A smile and kindness go a long way to make people care about our beautiful natural resources. Maybe there’s a regulation you’re not thrilled with, but this is the reason,” she said, motioning to the boat ramps and glistening water. “We want this to be accessible for them, long term.”
Davis will continue her conservation efforts with Lake Mattamuskeet and the Swan Quarter Watershed Steering Committee, in addition to focusing on bird and pollinator habitat and helping manage her family’s land.
Ever the ambassador for Hyde County, Davis closed the ceremony by extending an invitation to everyone in attendance – all 35 of them – to come enjoy lunch at her house.
