Project ID Number is 337

A. General Information Suggestion State:
Entity/Sponsor: Weeks Bay Foundation Organization Website: http://www.weeksbay.org
Contact Name: Yael Girard  Girard Title: Executive Director
Contact Address: 11401 US Highway 98
Fairhope, AL   36532
Phone Number: 251-990-5004   Email: yael@weeksbay.org
Suggestion State: Reviewed Suggestion Date: 1/20/2017
B. Project Classification - Primary Ecological/Environmental (Including Water Quality)
C. Project Classification - Secondary
 Coastal Flood Protection
D. Project Information
Project Name: Magnolia River North Gateway Tract
Project Location: North of the mouth of Magnolia River on Weeks Bay. Tract sits off of Irene Early Lane. Foley, AL
Project State(s):
AL
County(s):
Baldwin
Watershed/Basin: Weeks Bay Watershed Latitude: 30.39628 Longitude:   87.81525
E. Project Description Acquisition of the Property to (i) protect it in perpetuity and (ii) access/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 Weeks Bay Foundation (WBF) and the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR). 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). Weeks Bay is listed as an “Outstanding National Resource Water” and is home to numerous native plant and animal species. Magnolia River is listed as an “Outstanding Alabama Water.” Fish River and Magnolia River are the two main tributaries to Weeks Bay. Fish River is listed as a 303(d) waterway for unsafe levels of pathogens and mercury. It is only because of 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 1.2 miles of combined river and bay frontage 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. This Property contains nearly 100 acres of wetlands. These include estuarine and palustrine wetlands. There is also a small stream that bisects the Northern half of the property, running northeast to southwest. The scenic beauty of the Property is enjoyed by pleasure boaters, birders, and recreational fisherman who visit Weeks Bay and Magnolia River. The Property meets the priority acquisition and protection goals of various groups. It falls within the Weeks Bay Reserve’s Coastal Zone and Core Priority Area, as well as the Weeks Bay Project Acquisition Area. In the Mobile Bay National Estuarine Program’s Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan, the Fish River Watershed, where the property is located, was listed as the highest priority watershed in coastal Alabama for restoration. The 2005 Baldwin County Wetland Conservation Plan also highlights this area as containing wetlands to be considered for conservation.
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: 		Celia Wallace Recent Appraisal? No
Project Planning/Design: N/A Project Permitting
No Permits
Project will take   12  Months to Begin and an additional  24  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: Mobile Bay NEP Comprehensive Coastal Management Plan. Weeks Bay National Reserve Federally Approved Management Plan as a priority project area. Weeks Bay Watershed Management Plan
Project Feasibility and Likelihood of Success:
Leveraging/Complementary Projects:
I. Project Cost
Estimated Cost: $2,000,000.00 Maintenance/Operational Cost: $400,000.00
Nature of Cost: $200,000 coming out to $20,000/year for ten years. This is for ten years of restoration needs and associated operational costs. Sources for Funding Costs: No current sources
Level of Confidence: Medium New business startup or expansion? No
Basis/Method of Estimation: An appraisal will be needed for
Matching Funds Available:
No Matching Funds
Project Partners:
OrganizationInvolvementContactTitleEmailAddressPhone Number
Week Bay National Estuarine Research ReserveManagement Plan ConsultantL.G. AdamsReserve ManagerLG.Adams@dcnr.alabama.gov 11300 US Highway 98
Fairhope, AL  36532		 251-928-9792  
J. Project Impact on Community
Community Need: This property, is unique in that it straddles both Weeks Bay and Magnolia River. With over a mile of shoreline, it buffers the confluence from storms, flood waters, and other natural and man made impacts. Avoided Costs: Development along the mouth of Magnolia River would increase the costs of managing the river and cleanup after storm events.
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: Habitat protection of both estuarine and freshwater wetland systems. Sheltered marsh feeding grounds for wading and shore birds. Nursery habitat for juvenile seafood species. Storm surge and flood buffer along the mouth of Magnolia River and the Eastern
Environmental Impacts: No negative environmental impacts Project Monitoring and Performance: This project will have been successful if we can acquire the Magnolia River North Gateway property to protect it in perpetuity. This acquisition will directly protect 1.2 miles of bay and river frontage and 135 acres of undeveloped land.
K. Resource Benefit(s):
Benefit(s): Marine Mammals  |  Shellfish  |  Water Column  |  Birds  |  Terrestrial Wildlife   |  Sediment/Benthos  |  Reptiles/Amphibians  |  Shoreline  |  Fish  |  Vegetation  |  Air 
Benefit State- or
Federally-listed Species? 		No If so, list: