The Altamaha WMA is the premier waterfowl management area in Georgia. Located on the coast just south of Darien, it attracts thousands of wintering and migrating waterfowl and provides excellent habitat for migrating shorebirds and resident wading birds.

A total of 4,500 acres were enhanced within Altamaha WMA during these three projects. DU and its partners repaired levees and installed water-control structures along Darien River, as well as replacing structures to regulate water levels in all three impoundments (totaling 1,845 acres) of the Rhett's Island Unit. A 42-acre impoundment was created by constructing one dike and replacing one water-control structure as part of the Ansley-Hodges Memorial Project. The Butler Island Wetland Renovation Project resulted in the enhancement of 195 acres through renovation of perimeter and interior dikes, renovation of quarter ditches, replacement of three water-control structures, control of cutgrass and improvement of public access.

The Ansley-Hodges Memorial Project and the Butler Island Project involved observation tower construction and are part of the Colonial Coast Birding Trail, an effort coordinated by the Nongame and Natural Heritage Section of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Division to direct birdwatchers, photographers and other outdoor enthusiasts to sites along the Georgia coast that have excellent potential for attracting a variety of birds and other wildlife for observation.

Partners: Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Ducks Unlimited