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COMPARISON OF CREATED AND NATURAL FRESHWATER EMERGENT WETLANDS IN CONNECTICUT
Citation:
Confer, S. AND W. Niering. COMPARISON OF CREATED AND NATURAL FRESHWATER EMERGENT WETLANDS IN CONNECTICUT. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/J-93/240.
Description:
Five three- to four-year old created palustrine/emergent wetland sites were compared with five nearby natural wetlands of comparable size and type. ydrologic, soil and vegetation data were compiled over a nearly two-year period (1988-90). reated sites, which were located along major highways, exhibited more open water, greater water depth, and greater fluctuation in water depth than natural wetlands. ypical wetland soils exhibiting mottling and organic accumulation were wanting in created sites as compared with natural sites. ypha latifolia (common cattail) was the characteristic emergent vegetation at created sites, whereas a more diverse mosaic of emergent wetland species was often associated with Typha at the natural sites. pecies richness was slightly higher in created vs. natural wetlands, but the mean ifference was not significant. his study suggest the possibility of creating small palustrine/emergent wetlands having certain functions associated with natural wetlands, such as flood water storage, sediment accretion and wildlife habitat. t is premature to evaluate fully the outcome of these wetland creation efforts. ecade or more is needed, emphasizing the importance of long term monitoring and the need to establish demonstration areas.