On Dec. 8, 2017, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) released draft plan to restore a portion of the Satilla River estuary by closing man-made cuts that have degraded the ecosystem by altering the natural hydrology.
The restoration plan proposed by the USACE aims to improve fish and shellfish habitat as well as access to a large marshland system along the northern side of the Satilla River estuary by: 1) deepening shallows that restrict low-tide access to the upper reaches of creeks by both fish and boats; and 2) restoring a normal saltwater gradient that fish and shellfish use to locate the upper reaches of creeks.
The proposed modification to the estuary consists of closing Noyes Cut, Dynamite Cut, and a highly constricted old creek channel (noted by ORR on the map below) that connects Umbrella Creek south to Dover Creek.
Expected benefits of this proposed project include: •improved habitat for local and migratory species including shrimp, blue crabs, striped bass, American shad, river herrings, seatrout, and red drum. •improved small boat navigation in areas of Dover Creek and Umbrella Creek that have experienced increasing sedimentation and restricted access over the past century.
Figure 3 of USACE Draft Integrated Feasibility Study & Environmental Assessment
The public is invited to attend Noyes Cut Feasibility Study Community Engagement Meeting: Hosted by US Army Corps of Engineers, Coastal Resources Division of GA DNR, and Satilla Riverkeeper MEETING RESCHEDULED TO Friday, January 19, 2018 at 6pm at the Dover Bluff Clubhouse.
For more information, contact Satilla Riverkeeper 912-510-9500, riverkeeper@satillariverkeeper.org
The full report can be downloaded by clicking on the title “Draft Environmental Assessment and Finding of No Significant Impact, Noyes Cut” at the Plans and Reports website of the Savannah District. Written comments will be received by the Savannah District Office of the USACE until January 26, 2018 by emailing the following address: CESAS-PD@usace.army.mil, ATTN: Mr. David Walker (PM-D).
