The North Carolina Coastal Federation partnered with landowners in Hyde County, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Hyde County Cooperative Extension, researchers at North Carolina State University and neighboring landowners to design a wetland restoration project that will benefit both land management operations in the Mattamuskeet Drainage Association as well as historically prime oystering waters in Pamlico Sound.
In July 2015, after years of planning and coordination, the 1,400-acre wetland restoration project went to construction. Work began with a bit of clearing which includes removing pine trees and wax myrtle bushes. The area being cleared will be used as a “borrow area” where suitable soils will be excavated and used to create berms and other land features that will help move and restore hydrology to this restored wetland area.
Funding for this project comes from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, NRCS, and EEG. Construction will take approximately 12-18 months and be completed by December 2016.
For more details about the planning and design of this project please read about the Watershed Restoration Plan development and the two other projects that have been implemented in the Mattamuskeet Drainage Association since 2010.
