Atlantic coast joint venture waterfowl implementation plan
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Focus Area: Carolina Bays, Georgia Sub-Focus Areas: None 
Area Description: The Carolina Bays Focus Area encompasses 738,305 hectares (1,824,384 acres) in south central Georgia, bordering north Florida and lying due north and adjacent to the Tallahassee Area Lakes Focus Area in Florida. This area is characterized by numerous depressional wetlands known as Carolina Bays. Over 404 hectares (1000 acres) of these wetlands occupy the focus area. Many of these bays have been drained or altered, but some are intact, and many could easily be restored to provide an important variety of habitat type for waterfowl and other wetland dependent species. These bays are dominated by tupelo gum and bald cypress, while much of the surrounding landscape is dominated by southern pine forests. These areas were historically important wintering and migration habitat for Ring-necked Duck and other diving ducks, but were also utilized heavily by Blue-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Gadwall and Black Duck. Ownership/Protection: Land in this region is primarily privately owned. Uplands are dominated by industrial forest interests and agriculture. The relatively low number of landowners in the region has helped retain the natural qualities of the region and limit development. Opportunities exist to restore drained and altered Carolina Bays, and to restore large areas to longleaf pine. Special Recognition: There is tremendous potential to restore the natural hydrology of drained and altered Carolina Bays. This area has tremendous potential to restore the longleaf pine/wiregrass ecosystem in the southern United States. Outdoor recreation is popular here, dominated by deer and quail hunting. Wetlands in this region are dominated by Carolina Bays. These depressional wetlands are largely fed by rain and groundwater, and are found primarily in the Carolinas and Georgia. Origin of these bays is not known, and they vary in size from less than an acre to several hundred acres. These bays provide habitat for a variety of reptiles and amphibians, waterfowl, and waterbirds. Waterfowl: These wetlands were historically important wintering and migration habitat for Ring-necked Duck and other diving ducks, but were also utilized heavily by Blue-winged Teal, American Wigeon, Gadwall and Black Duck. Table 1. Waterfowl species using the Carolina Bays Focus Area.
Other Migratory Birds: Carolina bays are very important to waterbirds, including Great Blue Heron, White Ibis, Wood Stork, Snowy Egret, and Little Blue Heron. Landbirds that are important here include Prothonotary Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Ovenbird, and Black-and-White Warbler. Priority species associated with the pine uplands are Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Bachman’s Sparrow, Brown-headed Nuthatch, Red-headed Woodpecker, and Chuck-Will’s-Widow. Threats: Current threats in this region are primarily and directly related to hydrology of Carolina Bays. Recent court decisions allowing the drainage and filling of these wetlands could significantly affect the floral and faunal resources of these wetlands, as well as water quality in the region. Continued drainage for agriculture, forestry, and peat mining affect the hydrology of the landscape and the biological resources. There is tremendous potential to restore the natural hydrology of these wetlands in the Carolina Bays Focus Area. Conservation Recommendations: Major conservation actions here are restoration of the natural hydrology of Carolina Bays, and protection of extensive bays and remaining wetlands. Major recommendations for this focus area are to limit development through conservation easements, and to provide incentives to landowners to protect and restore the longleaf pine/wiregrass ecosystem. References: Hunter, W.C., L. Peoples and J. Collazo. 2001. South Atlantic Coastal Plain Partners In Flight Bird Conservation Plan, 158pp. Proposal for Expansion of the Boundary of the Atlantic Coast Joint Venture of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan to Include Focus Areas Within the State of Georgia, December 1, 1992, Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources, Personal Communication Sharitz, R.R., and J.W. Gibbons. 1982. The Ecology of Southeastern Shrub Bogs (Pocosins) and Carolina Bays: A Community Profile. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, 94pp. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. 1992. Emergency Wetlands Resources Act, Southeast Region, Regional Wetlands Concept Plan.
Focus Area: Chattahoochee/Flint Rivers, Georgia Sub-Focus Areas: None
Area Description: This large focus area encompasses 1,128,547 hectares (2,788,691 acres) in two major river basins in southwest Georgia, the Flint and Chattahoochee Rivers. The Central Dougherty Plain Focus Area lies between these two prongs of the focus area. The Flint River corridor is characterized by extensive riverine swamps, and where many of the surrounding wetlands were drained for agriculture. The Chattahoochee River is also characterized by extensive riverine swamps, and forms the western boundary of Georgia. Both rivers are important for migrating and wintering waterfowl. A significant component of this focus area, Lake Seminole, forms at the confluence of the two rivers. This large lake is shallow over much of its area, providing excellent wintering waterfowl habitat. Much of the landscape here is in agriculture, with the remaining in pine or mixed pine-hardwood forests. There are extreme threats to both of these river systems by increasing urban sprawl and discharges upstream from the Atlanta metropolitan area. When this river systems flows into Florida, it becomes the Apalachicola River. Upstream water quality is extremely important to water quality of the Apalachicola River and Apalachicola Bay. Ownership/Protection: Ownership in this focus area is primarily privately, and in agriculture and forestry interests. One major federal installation, Fort Benning, is located near the Chattahoochee River, and is very important for longleaf pine forests and associated avian species, such as the federally endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker. Special Recognition: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recognizes one wetland as priority under the federal Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 1986: Cemochechobee Creek supports the presence of three federally threatened and endangered species, Wood Stork, Bald Eagle, and Erect trillium. A significant population of Red-cockaded Woodpecker is located at Fort Benning, and there are several Important Bird Areas located in this focus area: Seminole Lake Wildlife Management Area, Fort Benning, and Swamp of TOA (Chickasawhatchee Swamp). Portions of the Southwest Focus Area of Georgia’s Bobwhite Quail Initiative are located in the focus area. The Chattahoochee and Flint Rivers converge to form the Apalachicola River which flows into Apalachicola Bay. Water quality in the Chattahoochee/Flint Rivers Focus area is extremely important to water quality in the Apalachicola River and Bay, affecting organisms in the river, estuary, and bay. Waterfowl: These two river systems are extremely important to migrating and wintering waterfowl, as well as breeding Wood Duck. The Flint River was an important migration corridor for Mallard, Black Duck, Gadwall, American Wigeon, and Blue-winged Teal prior too much of the area being drained for agriculture. This area now serves as a primary migration route to wintering areas further south for Blue-winged Teal, Canvasback, Ring-necked Duck, Redhead, and some species of dabbling ducks. The Chattahoochee River is a major migration route for dabbling ducks, such as Blue-winged Teal, Mallard, Black Duck, Green-winged Teal, Gadwall, and American Wigeon to the Caribbean and South America. Lake Seminole provides wintering habitat for large numbers of both diving and dabbling ducks, including Redhead, Canvasback, American Wigeon, and Mallard. Additionally, large numbers of American Coot winter on the lake, attracted by large amounts of aquatic vegetation growing in the shallow water. Table 1. Waterfowl species using the Chattahoochee/Flint Rivers Focus Area.
Other Migratory Birds: This focus area is important for several federally threatened and endangered species: Wood Stork, Red-cockaded Woodpecker, and Bald Eagle. Other important species here are Glossy and White Ibis, Swallow-tailed Kite, Swainson’s Warbler, Prairie Warbler, and Prothonotary Warbler. Other high priority species associated with the pine grassland savannas in this focus area are Red-cockaded Woodpecker, Northern Bobwhite, Bachman’s Sparrow, and American Kestrel. Threats: The primary threat to this focus area is the degradation of water quality of both both river systems, and the subsequent effects on Lake Seminole, the Apalachicola River, and Apalachicola Bay. Impacts to water quality in these rivers are from agriculture and upstream discharges from the Atlanta metropolitan area. Future impacts will be from additional urban sprawl and increased recreational use, especially along the river banks and tributaries. Erosion and sedimentation is most prevalent on the Chattahoochee River, degrading habitat for many species, and degrading the quality of life for residents and visitors throughout the region.
The primary conservation recommendations here are to protect remaining properties along the waterfronts of both rivers and in the watersheds of both rivers. This can be done through fee title acquisition and conservation easements. Water use and water quality needs to be addressed in a comprehensive water management plan, and partners throughout the region (Georgia, southeast Alabama, and north Florida) need to work to together to properly manage metropolitan discharges, agricultural runoff, recreational impacts, water use, and urban sprawl. References: Proposal for Expansion of the Boundary of the Atlantic Coast Joint Venture of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan to Include Focus Areas Within the State of Georgia, December 1, 1992, Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources. Personal Communication. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. 1992. Emergency Wetlands resources Act, Southeast Region, Regional Wetlands Concept Plan. www.sherpaguides.com/Georgia/flint_river/ www.sherpaguides.com/Georgia/chattohoochee_river/
Focus Area: Coastal, Georgia Sub-Focus Areas: None
Area Description: The Coastal Focus Area encompasses 821,533 hectares (2,030,045 acres) along the entire coast of Georgia, bordering four other focus areas in Georgia: Savannah River, Ogeechee River, Oconee/Ocmulgee/Altamaha Rivers, and Okefenokee Basin Focus Area, and bordering South Carolina to the north and Florida to the south. This area supports some of the richest and diverse flora and fauna in Georgia and the southeastern United States. This area includes the coastal portions of several important estuarine river ecosystems in the southeast, including the Savannah, Altamaha, Satilla, and St. Mary’s Rivers. The coastal area is also characterized by extensive tidal salt marshes and freshwater marshes, buffered by an extensive network of “marsh” islands and barrier islands along the entire coast. All of these freshwater and saltwater systems, and marsh island and barrier island systems in the coastal Georgia area support one of the most biologically productive systems in the world, providing food, nesting, and nursery ground habitat for a high diversity of aquatic animals, including birds, mammals, and reptiles. Ownership/Protection: Land ownership in this focus area is largely private, with agriculture and forestry the primary land uses. Much of the coastal area is becoming increasingly urbanized, with private developments occurring along much of the coast. More than two-thirds of the barrier islands are protected through federal, state, or private initiatives. There are significant acreages in national wildlife refuges, state wildlife management areas, military installations, state parks, and private conservation preserves. Special Recognition: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recognizes eleven wetlands as priority under the federal Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 1986: Lower Satilla River, St. Mary’s River, Black Hammock, Lower Altamaha River Swamp, St. Simons Island Rookery, Grantley Tract, Buffalo Swamp, Creighton Island, Julianton Plantation, Oldnor Island, Wahoo Island, and the Towaliga River. There are numerous federal ownerships in the coastal area, including the Savannah Coastal Refuges Complex (which includes seven National Wildlife Refuges), Fort Stewart, and Cumberland Island National Seashore. The Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve is in this focus area, and there are numerous state wildlife management areas and parks located here, including Jekyll Island Park and Altamaha Wildlife Management Area. The Nature Conservancy has several preserves in the area, including Cathead Creek and Carrs Island Preserves. The Altamaha River Delta is a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network site, and also in The Nature Conservancy’s Altamaha River Bioreserve Initiative, and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Preservation 2000 and River Care land acquisition programs. Waterfowl: The coastal tidal areas are heavily used by waterfowl as migration and wintering habitat. Tidal freshwater areas are used by dabbling ducks, and salt water areas, such as bays and sounds, provide resting and escape habitat for both dabbling and diving ducks. Managed wetlands are used almost exclusively in areas dominated by brackish and saltwater. Tidal forested swamps along the major river systems are also heavily used. Diving ducks tend to use expanses of open water, and saltwater bays and sounds. Table 1. Waterfowl species using the Coastal Focus Area.
Other Migratory Birds: The entire coast of Georgia is rich in avian diversity, and highly important to many species. Waterbirds important in this area include White Ibis, Anhinga, Black Tern, Great Blue Heron, Great Egret, Green Heron, and Little Blue Heron. Shorebirds that utilize this area are American Woodcock, Short-billed Dowitcher, Red Knot, Semi-palmated Sandpiper, Stilt Sandpiper, Wilson’s Plover, and American Oystercatcher. High priority landbirds include Swallow-tailed Kite, Wood Thrush, Northern Parula, Yellow-throated Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Swainson’s Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Painted Bunting, Henslow’s Sparrow, Yellow- billed Cuckoo, Acadian Flycatcher, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Mississippi Kite, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-eyed Vireo, Summer Tanager, and Louisiana Waterthrush.
The primary threat to this focus area is rapid growth of urban areas and tourism, threatening the protection of water drinking supplies and coastal water quality. Heavy and increased development of coastal areas and barrier islands will cause increased stormwater runoff and pollution, impacting the marsh. Impacts to the marsh may disrupt natural processes in the estuaries and barrier islands, fragmenting habitat and wildlife corridors. Development of coastal beaches, dunes, and maritime forests immediately reduces habitat for many high priority species.
The primary conservation recommendations for the Coastal Focus Area should be focused on protection of estuaries, barrier islands, and marsh hammocks. Protection of these areas will provide important habitats for many priority species and retain water quality necessary for healthy ecosystems. Conservation recommendations in this area range from protecting specific sites from human disturbance to protection and acquisition of large acreages of important conservation lands. Lands can be protected through acquisition by federal, state, and private entities, permanently protecting the land. Because much of this area is in private ownership, working with the landowner to manage and protect these private lands is very important. Additionally, restricting human use and disturbance in areas known to be heavily used by high priority bird species is an option. References: American Bird Conservancy, Important Bird Areas. Proposal for Expansion of the Boundary of the Atlantic Coast Joint Venture of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan to Include Focus Areas Within the State of Georgia, December 1, 1992, Georgia Dept. of Natural Resources. Personal Communication National Audubon Society, Important Bird Areas. The Nature Conservancy, Georgia Chapter. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. 1992. Emergency Wetlands resources Act, Southeast Region, Regional Wetlands Concept Plan. www. Sherpaguides.com/Georgia/okefenokee_swamp/ |