Purpose: To restore 536 acres of tidal marsh on Santee Coastal Reserve through renovation of existing dike. Approximately 35,000 feet of dike will be raised to prevent flooding from the adjacent Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway caused by high tides, storm surges and boat wakes. The site is dominated by coastal marsh vegetation, with wigeon grass and saltmarsh bulrush providing the majority of natural waterfowl foods. Mallards, mottled ducks, American wigeon, green-winged teal, Northern shoveler and gadwall will benefit most from this project. The area is managed by South Carolina Dept. of Natural Resources.

Santee Coastal Reserve Partnership Sign

Location: The project is located at Santee Coastal Reserve in Charleston County approximately 7.5 miles northeast of McClellanville, SC along the South Santee River and the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.

Acres Impacted: 536 acres

Habitat Types: Tidal brackish/saline marshes
Tidal brackish impoundments

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

Timeline: The project was completed in early summer 2000

DU Contact:

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