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 acquired 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 is managed by the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR). The acquisition, which included more than 100 acres of intertidal marsh and freshwater wetlands, protects 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 conserved the site in perpetuity. and began 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 included 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
None
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/