Purpose: To enhance 5,704 acres of forested wetlands and open-water habitat on Grand Bay WMA through installation of several water control structures and raising two existing forest roads to serve as dikes. Water control structures will allow the area to be drained periodically to permit controlled burning and re-flooding in an effort to reduce the density of invading woody vegetation. Management activities will increase the attractiveness of the wetlands for wood ducks and migratory ring-necked ducks. This project will be managed by the Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources to provide brood rearing habitat for resident wood ducks, as well as, increased foraging habitat for migrating and wintering dabbling ducks. Grand Bay WMA offers public waterfowl hunting opportunities.

Location: Approx. 11 miles northeast of Valdosta, GA (Lanier County)

Acres Impacted: 5,704 acres

Habitat Type: Forested Wetlands
Carolina Bays
Scrub/shrub Wetland

Partners: Georgia Department of Natural Resources
U.S. Air Force
Ducks Unlimited, Inc

Timeline: Construction was completed in 3 Phases (1990-1992)

DU Contact: Craig LeSchack
Director of Conservation Programs - Georgia
3896 Leeds Avenue
Charleston, SC 29405
(843) 745-9110
cleschack@ducks.org