Purpose: To enhance 25 acres of moist-soil habitat on low-lying areas adjacent to Russell Creek through construction of 4,550 feet of dikes and installation of 5 water control structures. Mast-producing hardwoods were not removed from the resulting impoundments. Portions of the impoundments are planted annually and flooded in the fall to attract wood ducks, mallards, Canada geese and ring-necked ducks. The area is managed by South Carolina Dept. of Natural Resources to provide quality wetlands habitat for migratory waterfowl.

Flooded Soil at Russell Creek

Location: The project is located in McCormick County approximately 4 miles west of Mt. Carmel, SC. Russell Creek is a tributary of Lake Strom Thurmond.

Acres Impacted: 25 acres

Habitat Types: Moist-soil Plant Production
Flooded Agricultural Crops

Partners: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
SC Department of Natural Resources
Ducks Unlimited, Inc.

Timeline: The project was completed in the fall of 2000
Intensive management was initiated in spring 2001

Drain Construction at Russel CreekDU Contact:

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