Project Titles:

• Replacement of Entrance Road Culverts (FFS #R5GF)
• Implement Energy Efficiency Tier 1 (FFS #R5GY*)

State: Maryland

Project Description: Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge in Rock Hall, Maryland is part of the Chesapeake Marshlands National Wildlife Refuge Complex located on the eastern shores of Maryland and Virginia. The 2,285-acre island refuge provides habitat for migratory and breeding songbird and shorebird populations and more than 100,000 ducks, geese, and swan seek sanctuary on the refuge each year. It is also a year-round home to a now thriving bald eagle population.

Ducks Unlimited, an organization dedicated to wetland and waterfowl conservation, was awarded $46,394 in Recovery Act funds to replace five culverts, or water control structures, along the entrance road to the facility. The 12-inch diameter concrete pipe was cracked, creating a possible safety hazard to the public and refuge staff. Replacing the structure with a thick metal pipe reduced the possibility of road collapse. This work properly directed water below the road and into adjacent marshlands, preserving the road down stream. Work was completed in February 2011.

The refuge also benefitted from the Service’s region-wide energy upgrade projects. The windows and doors at the Lodge Office were old and non-energy efficient. They also posed a security risk to the refuge artifacts, supplies, and bookstore merchandise because of their weather damaged and weakened state.

American Architectural Restoration, LLC rehabilitated the windows and doors. They will also carried out additional work on the building’s storm shutters. The Service awarded the Waldorf, Maryland business $56,910 for the rehabilitations. Work was completed in March 2011.

*Project R5GY is a Regionwide project impacting multiple sites. For more information view the Energy Efficiency Projects in the Northeast Region page.

Originally posted 04/05/2010
Updated 07/07/2010
Page Completed 05/03/2011