EASTON, Md. -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, cautions the public about the construction zone near ongoing oyster restoration efforts in the Tred Avon River Oyster Sanctuary over Memorial Day weekend. In those areas, water depths are 1 foot to up to 2 feet shallower than what is currently shown on navigational charts.
“The District holds the public’s safety as its highest priority and, with the holiday weekend likely increasing boating activities, it is imperative to continue our efforts to inform the public of the construction area that surrounds the Tred Avon River Oyster Sanctuary,” says Jason Peters, USACE project manager. “Please refer to the latest NOAA charts, which have been revised to reflect these restoration areas and depths and remain vigilant.”
Approximately 34 acres of reef will be restored throughout the sanctuary this spring using rock in water depths at least 6.75 feet mean lower low water (MLLW). Of those 34 acres, 21 acres will be built 12 inches in height using stone 3 to 6 inches in size with the remaining 13 acres to be built 6 inches in height using smaller stone 2 to 4 inches in size to help mitigate any potential impacts to navigation.
All construction sites meet Coast Guard guidance, which requires a 150-foot setback from federally maintained channels. Within the Tred Avon, there are two federally maintained channels – one at the lower end in Town Creek and one in the upper portion between Peachblossom Creek and Easton. Additionally, a 250-foot buffer was placed around residential docks. Construction is expected to conclude in June.
Boaters looking for additional information, including high-definition maps that show the current location of the bottom changes around the Tred Avon construction zone and alternate substrate oyster reef coordinates, should visit the Tred Avon Construction Zone webpage.
An interagency restoration workgroup comprised of USACE, Maryland Department of Natural Resources, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Oyster Recovery Partnership began restoration efforts in the Tred Avon River in 2015. To date, 92.5 acres of reef have been restored with 440 million seed oysters planted.
The Tred Avon is one of five Maryland tributaries selected for large-scale oyster restoration as a part of the 2014 Chesapeake Bay Watershed Agreement. The other tributaries are Harris Creek, Little Choptank, upper St. Mary’s, and Manokin rivers.
Please note that for the most up-to-date navigational information, hazards and construction warnings, such as the Tred Avon project, boaters should stay up to date with the U.S. Coast Guard’s local notices to mariners by visiting https://go.usa.gov/x6aTD.