Project Page

Weeks Bay Land Acquisition (East Gateway Tract)

Implementing Organization

State of Alabama

Overview

DWH Project Funding

$3,252,192

Known Leveraged Funding

$0

Funding Organization

Natural Resource Damage Assessment Trustees (NRDA)

Funding Program

Natural Resource Damage Assessment NRDA

Details

Project Category

Environmental

Project Actions

Habitat Restoration and Enhancement

Targeted Resources

Wetlands/Marshes/Estuaries

Project Description

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) will acquire the 165-acre East Gateway Tract through a fee simple purchase and place an appropriate permanent land protection instrument on the property (i.e., deed restriction). The property will be managed by the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR). The acquisition, which includes more than 100 acres of intertidal marsh and freshwater wetlands, will protect the eastern shore of the mouth of Weeks Bay. The property features a large salt marsh with a stream providing protected habitat and shelter for wading birds, duck species, and various species of indigenous marine life. Diamondback Terrapin, an Alabama species of concern, have been documented in upland areas of the property. The shoreline of the property has been ecologically degraded by the construction of approximately a 0.25-mile bulkhead. The acquisition and permanent protection will conserve the site in perpetuity and begin the process of addressing restoration at the site by providing funds (1) for E&D to remove the bulkhead, which is contributing to shoreline scouring and erosion; and (2) for the development of a comprehensive shoreline restoration plan. In addition, the project includes funds for the Weeks Bay NERR to work with WBF on a long-term management plan setting priorities for additional restoration at the site, including possible re-creation of longleaf pine savannas, pitcher plant bogs, and marsh and swamp habitat.

Contact

Amy Hunter
(251) 621-1216
Amy.Hunter@dcnr.alabama.gov
Project Website
Project Partners

None

Affiliated Institutions

For official trustee information regarding the Deepwater Horizon NRDA, including information regarding the NRDA process and the status of projects, see https://www.gulfspillrestoration.noaa.gov/

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