Purpose: To replace an outdated and non-functional spillway structure with a modern full-round aluminum water control structure to facilitate management of a freshwater wetland on Francis Marion National Forest. The new structure will allow for water level manipulations to promote a combination of flooded agricultural crops and/or natural moist-soil plant production to attract wintering waterfowl. Other wildlife receiving benefits from this project include wading birds, shorebirds and raptors. The area is managed by the USDA Forest Service and South Carolina Dept. of Natural Resources.

Hellhole Pond View

Location: The project is located on the Witherbee District of the Francis Marion National Forest in Berkeley County approximately 3 miles northeast of Cordesville, SC.

Acres Impacted: 17 acres

Habitat Types: Moist-soil Wetlands
Flooded Agricultural Crops (e.g. rice, Japanese millet, or corn)

Partners: USDA Forest Service
North American Wetlands Conservation Council
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

Timeline: Construction was completed in spring 2004

DU Contact:

Craig LeSchack
Director of Conservation Programs
South Atlantic Field Office
3896 Leeds Ave.
Charleston, SC 29405
843-745-9127
cleschack@ducks.org