GEC Water Sampling Finds Problem Area

   GEC water sampling over the past six months has been helpful in identifying areas that are under stress and out of ecological balance.  Results from the Oak Grove Island area have indicated an extreme fluctuation in salinity in some areas of the estuary, while others are being starved for fresh water.  There are two underlying problems.

   The fresh water from the tidally influenced freshwater Flatwoods Forest was channelized so it flowed through areas where it once mixed with salt water. Currently, the freshwater passes through the canal, known locally as the Hutcheson Canal, and directly into Turtle River.  On high tides, the canal also allows salt water to flow deep into freshwater wetland, which is killing trees.

   Instead of removing the canal that was the problem, two sets of flood gates were installed to keep saltwater from entering the Coastal Flatwoods Forest during the tidal cycles.   Sampling indicates the flood gate area is still being starved of fresh water.

   The GEC is working on having the area restored to its natural hydrology.
 

Instead of removing the canal that was the problem, two sets of flood gates were installed
on the Oak Grove Island Causeway to keep saltwater from entering the
Coastal Flatwoods Forest during the tidal cycles.