Case Study: New Hanover County achieves successful inlet relocation and wetland restoration with Davey Resource Group

New Hanover County relocates Mason Inlet with Davey and restores 81,000 coastal wetland plants

New Hanover County, NC faced the complex challenge of relocating Mason Inlet near Wilmington, which required extensive environmental permitting and impact mitigation. The county engaged Davey Resource Group, a division of Davey Tree, for environmental design, permitting, and ecosystem restoration services to navigate this process.

Davey prepared and submitted the required Environmental Assessment, Essential Fish Habitat report, and secured key permits including Section 404 and 401 approvals. To offset impacts, Davey also designed and implemented a tidal salt marsh restoration, planting 81,000 coastal wetland plants on a dredge disposal island to successfully restore high marsh, low marsh, and nursery habitats. Davey continues to ensure permit compliance through biological monitoring for the county.