Assawoman Wildlife Management Area Marsh Restoration
Sussex County, Delaware
Why It Matters
The Assawoman Wildlife Area has been managed as a wildlife preserve since 1943, following the acquisition of former agricultural lands. Today, the area encompasses Miller Neck, Muddy Neck, and The Beach, providing habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl, white tailed deer, and bobwhite quail. Also protected are the Canada goose, black and mallard ducks, amphibians, and reptiles.
The area was affected by decades of runoff, which degraded water quality and impacted aquatic and riparian habitats. Over time, some areas also lost vegetation, leading to erosion, reduced wildlife habitat, and increased flood risk.
Project Impact
The project is selectively placing approximately 110,000 cubic yards of dredged sediment within two areas to raise the marsh to healthier elevations and support native plant establishment, with the goal of restoring approximately 90 acres of damaged tidal marsh.
The restored marsh is expected to provide valuable wildlife habitat and improve protection against flooding, erosion, and sea level rise. The project will also put dredged sediment to productive use rather than treating it as waste.
Innovations
Selecting the correct elevations to target sediment placement was critical to the marsh’s recovery. The team used site-specific water levels, plant growth needs, and near-future sea level rise estimates to guide placement. Ongoing monitoring helps identify where additional sediment placement or grading may be needed.
- Client
- Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control
- Location
- Delaware
- Market Sector
- State and Local
- Services
