Purpose: To restore 1,013 acres of freshwater wetlands habitat on Altamaha WMA through installation of several water control structures and rehabilitation of dikes. Extensive flooding throughout many of the riverine systems in coastal Georgia caused damage to several impoundments. Saturation of the dikes and subsequent recession of floodwaters caused several breaks along the perimeter dikes and at several water control structures. Repair of the structures, dikes, and erosion damage was necessary to maintain management on the WMA. This project will retain water in fall and winter, thus providing valuable foraging habitat to migrating and wintering waterfowl near the Altamaha River and will be managed by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources to provide public hunting opportunities.

Freshwater Wetlands Habitat of Altamaha WMA

Location: Approx. 2 miles south of Darien, GA (McIntosh County)

Acres Impacted: 1,013 acres

Habitat Type: Moist-soil Wetlands
Flooded Agricultural Crops

Partners: Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Ducks Unlimited, Inc

Timeline: Construction was completed in fall 1995
Repairs were completed fall 1998 and 2002

 

Landscape View of Freshwater Wetlands Habitat of Altamaha WMA