Dredged material facility reopens to recreational visitors

Posted March 19, 2010
By Brittany Brown, Norfolk District Public Affairs

03/19/2010 - NORFOLK, Va. — The Craney Island Dredged Material Management Area is scheduled to reopen for recreational visitors April 2 on a limited basis. After being closed to visitors due to pipeline construction, seeding operations and road work, visitors will be able to visit the facility from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Fridays.

Once named Craney Point by the early English settlers who thought cranes inhabited the island, Craney Island was actually inhabited by white and blue herons. Craney is an attractive staging and feeding area for migratory shore birds and waterfowl. Before Craney was built, only straight shoreline existed; the area now offers 2,500 acres of prime waterfront property for birds, less disturbed than a public beach where the breeding birds normally rest. Thousands of birds migrating up and down the East Coast stop at Craney Island choose to nest on the island and raise their young.

Due to the vibrant wildlife, Craney Island has formed its own ecosystem, with a community of feral cats, wild dogs and red foxes that have, in some instances, destroyed nesting birds.

According to Sam McGee, chief of the Craney Island project office, "Nearly ninety nine percent of wildlife activity goes on transparent to our daily operations."

In the past, the Norfolk District has received recognition for the creation, protection and preservation of a critical bird habitat. Although Craney Island is not a recreational facility and does not have the resources of a traditional recreational facility, it is open for recreational use. Visitor logs are maintained by staff members to track the number of recreational fishermen, crabbers, Audubon Society members and birdwatchers that enjoy the ever-changing and dynamic site.

Because of its proximity to the Hampton Roads waterways, Craney Island offers a low-cost method to dispose materials that have been pulled up during harbor deepening and maintenance dredging projects. In addition to providing a cost-effective alternative for dredged material, Craney Island stimulates ideal breeding conditions for bird species that are endangered, threatened or of special concern.

Individuals interested in visiting Craney Island are encouraged to call the facility project office at (757) 484-1021 to confirm that the facility is open.