Changes in Wading Bird Habitat on Georgia Islands

by Jim Evans, Georgia Dep of Natural Resources, Game & Fish Div, Sapelo Island, GA, USA,



Document Type: Proceeding Paper

Part of: Coastal Zone '85

Abstract:

Free flowing artesian wells were developed in Georgia during the late 1800's. Some of these wells produced important habitat for colonially nesting wading bird populations. The principal artesian aquifer underlies all of Georgia's coastal region. Overpumping of this aquifer has eliminated significant free flowing wells from Tybee to Sapelo Island. This has diminished or eliminated rookeries that were associated with many well sites. A theory of water seepage from the principal aquifer to shallow aquifers is discussed as well as the need to renovate previously active rookery locations and develop management techniques.

Subject Headings: Coastal management | Wells (water) | Islands | Developing countries | Birds | Water conservation | Sea water | Georgia | United States

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