Mid-Chesapeake Bay Island Ecosystem Restoration

One of the newer placement sites, the Mid-Chesapeake Bay Island Ecosystem Restoration, or Mid-Bay Project, is located in Dorchester County near what remains of James Island and Barren Island, which have been ravaged by erosion like other sites selected as placement facilities.

As part of the 20-year DMMP strategy, the Mid-Bay Project is a crucial future placement site and is integral to the Port’s strategy to manage sediment dredged from Bay channels to enable cargo ships to travel through and do business in the Port of Baltimore. 

When complete, the Mid-Bay Project will restore over 2,000 acres of land and wetlands, protecting seagrass beds, enhancing wildlife habitat for birds, and recreationally and commercially important fish species.  

Development of the site is progressing with notable advancements in both Barren Island construction and James Island design. Once Poplar Island is no longer able to accept the entirety of the annual maintenance material from the Maryland Chesapeake Bay Approach Channels, the Mid-Bay Project will provide the needed capacity.

Mid-Bay Islands aerial

At a Glance

Map of Barren Island DMCF captioned "Barren Island, located in Dorchester COunty near Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and directly adjacent to Upper Hoopers Island in the Chesapeake Bay"
Map of James Island captioned "James Island, located in Dorchester County directly adjacent to Taylors Island in the Chesapeake Bay"
Plant infographic with caption "2,144 acres Total anticipated restoration footprint Total anticipated capacity: 90-95 mcy"
Construction worker graphic with caption "Construction at Barren Island and design for James Island is underway, 2025: Phase I construction is complete with sills and breakwaters installed to prevent erosion. /Construction of the James Island perimeter dike is scheduled to begin in 2025/James and Barren Islands will provide more than 30 years of capacity"

Project Timeline

Mid-Bay construction timeline graphic
Mid-Bay project benefits chart

Learn More Here

Learn more about the Mid-Bay Project's history and benefits and engage with interactive aerial maps showing the site before restoration.

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Aerial shot of James Island
Mid-Chesapeake Bay Island Ecosystem Restoration Project

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