Edwin B. Forsythe NWR Wildlife Drive Repair Report February 8, 2013

South Dike after Superstorm Sandy The South Dike sustained serious damage to its integrity and the roadway making the Wildlife Drive impassable.

Another view of damage to the Wildlife Drive After the storm, the extensive damage was assessed and repair plans were developed with the Federal Highways Administration under the leadership of Manager Virginia Rettig.

Wildlife Drive is Closed until Further Notice The damage has made it necessary to close the Wildlife Drive so that repairs can be made. The gates are only open when the estimated 2,000 dump truck loads of new fill may be delivered.

Repair Work is Underway! The dump trucks and heavy equipment enter and exit through the old railroad bed. This route is used so that the main entrance road to the Refuge is not damaged. The Songbird Trail is closed as a safety measure.

On the Wildlife Drive The trucks must travel very slowly on the Wildlife Drive. Moving too fast will do further damage to the drive. The trucks must turn around, back up to where they dump their load, then return using the same route.

Re-grading the Wildlife Drive The grader is busy leveling and smoothing the recently dumped fill. In order to stabilize the roadway, it will be compacted. Finally, the drive will be given a strong finished surface.

Much Damage Still Remains Along with filling in the large gaps created by Superstorm Sandy, much damage must be corrected before the Wildlife Drive can be re-opened.

Debris Still Litters the Edge of the Wildlife Drive

Debris Removal The work of removing debris – from soda cans to 55 Gallon Drums to just about anything else – is being done at the same time as repairs to the roadway take place.

Crews are working hard to get the Wildlife Drive ready for the Spring Migration Season. (The birds are coming!!)

The Refuge is partially open. Come visit and take advantage of: Boardwalk Leed’s Eco-Trail Aker’s Trail Visitor Information Center featuring the brand new exhibits in the Gallery!

Thank you for your understanding, patience, and support!

The Friends of Forsythe Forsythe NWR Management and Staff

Text and photographs in this report are by Dave Blood Photographs are copyrighted: © Dave Blood; all rights reserved Thank you to Roger Dutch, Forsythe Maintenance Worker, for his assistance in developing this report. MMXIII