DU, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF), is preparing to begin a two-phased project on Hog Island Wildlife Management Area in Surry County. Hog Island WMA, one of the primary waterfowl complexes and historic colonial areas in Virginia, is a 1,300-acre state game land across the James River from Williamsburg, Virginia.
The first phase will enhance 1,100 acres of managed tidal impoundments through the replacement of water control structures, removal of debris from existing canals and enhancement of embankments. These impoundments are publicly accessible for hunting. The second phase of this project will focus on shoreline stabilization along the James River. DU will construct breakwaters along the shoreline to decrease erosion from wave energy and protect and restore marsh vegetation.
Managed wetlands are critical to wildlife since a large portion of the original wetland acreage in the state has been lost, and wetland habitat throughout the state continues to decline. Waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds and other wetland dependent wildlife will greatly benefit from enhanced foraging and wintering habitat provided by this project.