Virginia Coastal Program: 1997 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
FY1997 Task 52
Grantee:
Northampton County
Project Title:
Cape Charles Sustainable Technologies Industrial Park: Migratory Songbird Habitat Restoration/Shallow Marsh Wetland Construction
Project Description as Proposed:
In 1992 a Special Area Management Plan was initiated in county to protect coastal resources and initiate sustainable economic development, resulting in a resource-efficient, non-polluting eco-industrial park, the Port of Cape Charles Sustainable Technologies Industrial Park (STIP). Key components of the STIP are restoration and protection of globally-significant migratory songbird habitat; and demonstration of effective stormwater management for protection of Chesapeake Bay water quality. The STIP Coastal Dune Habitat Preserve was acquired with USFWS and VCRMP funds. This proposal follows up on this previous work by extending habitat restoration into the STIP's central area, including purchase/installation of plants for migratory songbird restoration, fine grading and planting of the constructed shallow marsh stormwater wetland; and extension of the Preserve trail.
Federal Funding:
$46,928
Project Contact:
Tim Hayes, 757.331.1998
Project Status:
Grant Closed
Final Product Received:
Planting of Shallow Marsh Wetland and Walkway Construction - 2-page printouts of color photos.
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
This
project was funded to restore and protect a wider range of habitat
for migratory songbirds in the Cape Charles Sustainable Technology
Park. It also follows up on previous work by extending habitat restoration
into the central area of the eco-industrial park from the 28.8 acre
natural area preserve adjacent to the Chesapeake Bay. The 2700-foot
long boardwalk that meanders through meadows and maritime forest
in the preserve is now linked to the new shallow marsh wetland and
pond.
The grant provided for the purchase and installation of plant materials
in and around the shallow marsh that are valuable to migratory songbirds.
The high banks of the pond were planted with trees including willow
oaks, water oaks, and yaupon holly and shrubs including winterberry,
wax myrtle, buttonbush, blackhaw viburnum, elderberry, and alder.
Emergent species in the marsh and pond included sweet flag, switchgrass,
tussock sedge, rice cutgrass, arrow arum, soft-stem bulrush, lizards
tail, common three-square, pickerel weed, and marsh hibiscus.
In addition to the plantings, the grant provided for the construction
of two raised boardwalks over the pond and marsh to provide access
for people to view birds and animals in their natural habitat. The
constructed wetland was colonized quickly. Less than four weeks
after construction, and before any plants were installed, frogs,
fish, and snakes appeared. Birds sighted shortly thereafter included
blue and green herons, egrets, osprey, ducks, geese, and kingfishers.
Combining the constructed wetland with the previously set aside
meadow and maritime forest preserve has created a great diversity
of habitat for migratory songbirds that will be preserved for generations.The
constructed wetland also demonstrates effective stormwater management
for protection of Chesapeake Bay water quality.
Form C end
Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Laura McKay, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4323 or email: Laura.McKay@deq.virginia.gov
A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov
