Purpose: River flow alteration, habitat conversion and water quality degradation have negatively impacted forested wetlands and migratory bird populations along the Roanoke River. The purpose of this project was to restore hydrology to 411 acres of bottomland hardwood forest and improve wildlife habitat on Roanoke River National Wildlife Refuge. Partners constructed levees and installed four water control structures to allow precise flood level control. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) will manage the property and control water levels to mimic the natural hydrology regimes that occurred prior to construction of an up-stream dam. The restored Askew Tract provides important habitat for migratory waterfowl including mallards, black ducks, and wood ducks. The USFWS allows limited public use on the area. This project was funded in part by a North American Wetlands Conservation Act Grant supported by the Roanoke River Migratory Bird Initiative which involves partners in both North Carolina and Virginia.

Location: Approximately one mile northeast of Williamston, Bertie County, North Carolina

Acres Impacted: 411 acres of wetland area

Habitat Type: Seasonally flooded bottomland hardwood forest

Partners: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, North Carolina Attorney General's Environmental Enhancement Grant Program, North American Wetlands Conservation Council, and Ducks Unlimited

Timeline: Project was completed in March 2006

DU Contact: Craig LeSchack
Director of Conservation Programs
3294 Ashley Phosphate Rd, Suite 1-F
North Charleston, SC 29418
843-745-9110
cleschack@ducks.org