Grantee Research Project Results

2004 Progress Report: Density of Marsh Periwinkles and Fire Ant Mounds in Natural and Restored Marshes in the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge

EPA Grant Number: R829584C007
Subproject: this is subproject number 007 , established and managed by the Center Director under grant R829584
(EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
Center: Louisiana Environmental Research Center (McNeese State)
Center Director: Ford, Mark A.
Title: Density of Marsh Periwinkles and Fire Ant Mounds in Natural and Restored Marshes in the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge
Investigators: Ford, Mark A. , Stacy, Gus
Institution: McNeese State University
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: February 1, 2002 through January 31, 2007
Project Period Covered by this Report: February 1, 2003 through January 31, 2004
RFA: Targeted Research Center (2004) Recipients Lists
Research Category: Hazardous Waste/Remediation , Targeted Research

Objective:

This is one of seven subprojects of the Louisiana Environmental Research Center (LERC). For information on the other subprojects conducted by LERC, see the individual reports for R829548C001 through R829548C007.

The objectives of this research project are to:(1) assess variation in periwinkle (snail) density among marshes differing in the degree of restoration; and (2) determine if there is a relationship between the densities of periwinkles and fire ant mounds.

Progress Summary:

Three sites (one natural and two restored marshes) have been sampled three times (December 2004, February 2005, and May 2005). Periwinkles and fire ant mounds have been enumerated from 108 plots in 18 transects. The three sites will be visited on three more dates.

Our data so far indicate that the marsh periwinkle is not present at the restored marsh sites. At the natural marsh site, marsh periwinkles have been present in very low densities (to date 0.4 snails/plot). On the first two sampling dates (December 2004 and February 2005), active fire ant mounds were found in the oldest restored marsh. On the third sampling date (May 2005), active fire ant mounds were found in the more recently restored marsh.

Future Activities:

We will visit three sites (one natural and two restored marshes) and collect samples on three more dates.

Supplemental Keywords:

wetlands, wetland restoration, wetland remediation, marsh, Louisiana, restored marshes, sedimentation rate, vertical soil accretion, root zone influences,, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Scientific Discipline, Water, Restoration, Ecological Risk Assessment, Aquatic Ecosystem Restoration, Ecology and Ecosystems, restoration strategies, water quality, wetland plant restoration, prairie garden, remediation, coastal environments, wetland restoration, land use, ecological recovery

Relevant Websites:

http://www.mcneese.edu/lerc Exit

Progress and Final Reports:

Original Abstract

Main Center Abstract and Reports:

R829584 Louisiana Environmental Research Center (McNeese State)

Subprojects under this Center: (EPA does not fund or establish subprojects; EPA awards and manages the overall grant for this center).
R829584C001 Wetland Restoration and Remediation in Southwest Louisiana Marshes: A Study of Soil Elevation, Vertical Accretion, Shallow Subsidence and Root Zone Influences in Marshes Restored Using a Variety of Techniques
R829584C002 Developing Methods for Identifying Suitable Donors for Wetland Plant Restoration Through Transplantation
R829584C003 Effects of Salinity and Bottom Substrate Composition on the Growth and Proliferation of Widgeongrass (Ruppia maritima)
R829584C004 A Comparison of Health Parameters and Parasites in the Marsh Rice Rat Oryzomys palustris From Natural Freshwater, Saltwater, and Restored Marshes in the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge
R829584C005 Comparison of Metal Concentrations in Soils, Sediments, and Selected Species From the Area Around Chevron Texaco No. 2 Bayou Tank Battery in the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge in Southwest Louisiana and Preliminary Determination of Oxidation State
R829584C006 Use of The Prairie Garden and Plant Material Center To Collect, Propagate, and Maintain Breeder Blocks and Garden Specimens of Louisiana Prairie And Wetland Ecotypes
R829584C007 Density of Marsh Periwinkles and Fire Ant Mounds in Natural and Restored Marshes in the Sabine National Wildlife Refuge

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The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.