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Navigation

The River Dart is considered navigable from its entrance to the tidal limit at Totnes weir.

The River Dart is considered navigable from its entrance to the tidal limit at Totnes weir. The existence of the Port of Totnes predates that of Dartmouth. However, when the timber trade ceased in the 1980s, sea-going vessels stopped using Totnes as a port. Totnes still looks to the river for trade, though nowadays it is focused on the tourism and recreational craft sector.

Making sure that the river is properly maintained for navigation is a priority for the prosperity of Totnes and the estuary as a whole. It is a responsibility that is held by Dart Harbour, which looks after the whole of the tidal river, not just the Port of Dartmouth. Historically, the River Dart was dredged in its upper reaches. This was done primarily to recover sand for use in construction but had the additional benefit of removing sediment from the river.

" Making sure that the river is properly maintained for navigation is a priority "

Careful monitoring needs to be done to ensure that changes that take place in this dynamic environment do not injuriously affect navigation. Dart Estuary Environmental Management (DEEM) works closely with Dart Harbour, providing technical advice on such issues and acting as a vehicle for undertaking research. For further information on related studies commissioned by DEEM see the Dart Dredging Survey Summary.

Find out how DEEM aims to promote navigation in the Dart by reading this extract from the Management Plan. The full plan can be downloaded at the end of the extract.

The plan's guiding principles provide the context in which the aims are achieved and the actions carried out.

The full original plan can be downloaded at the end of the extract, however the latest 2006-2011 Periodic Review Dart Estuary Environmental Management Plan (EMP) can also be downloaded here. It is closely linked with the Management Plan for the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has a five year horizon.

Guiding Principles
To maintain the navigational integrity of the River Dart within its tidal waters without causing injurious impact upon the environment
Strategic Objectives
To work with the Dart Harbour to develop a policy for dredging on the River Dart based on sustainability

2006-2011 Periodic Review Dart Estuary Environmental Management Plan

(To download this report as a PDF file click the link above)

Dart Estuary Environmental Management Plan

(To download this report as a PDF file click the link above)

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