Project ID Number is 293

A. General Information Suggestion State:
Entity/Sponsor: Weeks Bay Foundation Organization Website: http://www.weeksbay.org
Contact Name: Yael Girard  Girard Title: Ms.
Contact Address: 11401 US Highway 98
Fairhope, AL   36532
Phone Number: 251-990-5004   Email: yael@weeksbay.org
Suggestion State: Reviewed Suggestion Date: 3/8/2016
B. Project Classification - Primary Ecological/Environmental (Including Water Quality)
C. Project Classification - Secondary
 Coastal Flood Protection
D. Project Information
Project Name: Magnolia River Preservation Project – Holmes Property
Project Location: Magnolia River, off Magnolia Springs Highway, Magnolia Springs
Project State(s):
AL
County(s):
Baldwin
Watershed/Basin: Weeks Bay Watershed Latitude: 30.23340 Longitude:   87.4573
E. Project Description Acquisition of the Property by the Weeks Bay Foundation (“WBF”) to (i) protect it in perpetuity and (ii) address restoration needs to ensure that it provides the best habitat for native and endemic species. This project will be accomplished with support from the town of Magnolia Springs and the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The Property will be purchased from a willing seller at the Yellow Book appraised value and held by the WBF who, as an accredited land trust, will maintain the conservation value of the Property and prohibit any future development. In addition, the WBF will work with the Weeks Bay Reserve to create a management plan and prioritize restoration needs, including re-creation of longleaf pine savannas, pitcher plant bogs, and marsh and swamp habitat (where appropriate). As one of the few remaining tracts of undeveloped (but developable) riverfront land in Magnolia Springs, the Property has great environmental and public benefit. It is home to red bellied turtles (Pseudemys alabamensis) and gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus). The red bellied turtle is listed as endangered and the gopher tortoise is listed as threatened by the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Protection of the Property will give these species valuable support. The scenic beauty of the Property is enjoyed by visitors and locals, and the estimated mile of waterfront wetlands provide habitat and shelter for wading birds and duck species and marine life. The filtration provided by the wetlands increase water quality and make the Magnolia River and Weeks Creek more enjoyable places to swim, kayak, and fish. Additionally, Magnolia River and Fish River are the two largest tributaries of Weeks Bay. Weeks Bay is listed as an “Outstanding National Resource Water” and is home to numerous native plant and animal species. Fish River is listed as a 303(d) waterway for unsafe levels mercury. It is only due to the excellent water quality of Magnolia River that Weeks Bay is able to sustain and support such an array of wildlife. As development continues throughout Baldwin County, and especially on the river banks of both Magnolia and Fish Rivers, we will see a decline in water quality. Protection of the Property will ensure that over a mile of riverfront remains in its natural state, thus mitigating erosion, siltation, eutrophication, and residential flooding – all factors that directly correlate to water quality and the health of the entire Weeks Bay ecosystem.
F. Water Quality Projects and Ecological Benefits
G. Resiliency Considerations (Ecological; Social-Ecological; Social; Socio-Economic and/or Community Resilience)
H. Project Status
Property/Resource Acquisition:
Current Landowner or Holder of the Easement: 		The Property is currently owned by the extended Holmes family through Riverwood Springs LLC. Recent Appraisal? No
Project Planning/Design: In Progress Project Permitting
No Permits
Project will take   3  Months to Begin and an additional  12  Months to Complete
Can be implemented in phases? No
No Phases
Is this project included under a regional or statewide plan/initiative? Yes
If so, list: Magnolia River is listed as an “Outstanding Alabama Water.” The area is also listed with the Mobile Bay NEP CCMP. Weeks Bay is a "Outstanding National Resource Water."
Project Feasibility and Likelihood of Success:
Leveraging/Complementary Projects:
I. Project Cost
Estimated Cost: $3,233,500.00 Maintenance/Operational Cost: $0.00
Nature of Cost: N/A Sources for Funding Costs: N/A
Level of Confidence: Medium New business startup or expansion? No
Basis/Method of Estimation: The monitoring costs are based on our standard calculations. The property valuation will require a Yellow Book appraisal to confirm.
Matching Funds Available:
Fund SourceAmount
Weeks Bay Foundation Stewardship Endowment Fund - Monitoring$13,500.00
Project Partners:
OrganizationInvolvementContactTitleEmailAddressPhone Number
Town of Magnolia SpringsIn Kind ServicesKenneth UnderwoodMayormayorms@gulftel.com PO Box 890
Magnolia Springs, AL  36555		 251-965-9888   N/A
Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research ReserveIn Kind ServicesLG AdamsReserve ManagerLG.Adams@dcnr.alabama.gov 11300 US Highway 98
Fairhope, AL  36532		 251-928-9792   N/A
J. Project Impact on Community
Community Need: Permanent protection of important riverine wetland, upland forest, and estuarine wetland habitats. Managed site for estuarine education, restoration, and research. Avoided Costs: Increased maintenance of river clean up following flood events. If the Property were to be developed it could create a substantial increase in the cost of maintenance of the river as well as create increased navigational hazards.
Indirect Benefits: Continued high water quality levels in Magnolia River, which also affect the ability of Weeks Bay to remain a thriving estuary system. Environmental Benefits: Maintenance of excellent water quality in Magnolia River. Wetland and upland forest habitat protection. Resource support for at least two threatened or endangered species.
Environmental Impacts: No negative environmental impacts Project Monitoring and Performance: The project’s success will be measured by acres of native habitat for aquatic and avian wildlife preserved in perpetuity.
K. Resource Benefit(s):
Benefit(s): Marine Mammals  |  Shellfish  |  Water Column  |  Birds  |  Terrestrial Wildlife   |  Sediment/Benthos  |  Reptiles/Amphibians  |  Shoreline  |  Fish  |  Vegetation  |  Recreational Use and Infrastructure  |  Air 
Benefit State- or
Federally-listed Species? 		Yes If so, list: Red Bellied Turtle (Pseudemys alabamensis) - Endangered Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) - Threatened