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Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Refuge is located along Delaware Bay, an area threatened by sea-level rise.
Due to sea-level rise and other environmental factors, this tidal marsh is sinking, losing critical habitat for American black ducks, rails, terns, and fish species like striped bass and white perch.
Tidal marshes also safeguard nearby communities from flooding, acting as a buffer between people’s homes and rising waters.
To restore the health of the 430-acre tidal marsh, approximately 200,000 cubic yards of dredged material was beneficially used for the Supawna Meadows National Wildlife Restoration project.
According to Ducks Unlimited, Beneficial Use of Dredged Material (BUDM) first placement was completed in August 2024 under the Salem River federal navigation channel maintenance dredging project.
Ducks Unlimited and its partners are working towards long-term water and habitat quality improvements that will support healthy aquatic ecosystems and resilience for local wildlife, fisheries, and coastal communities.
The Refuge is an important recreational area for hunters, anglers, and birders as well, so its health is paramount for these groups to continue to enjoy all the marvels of this coastal marsh.