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A restoration framework to build coastal wetland resiliency
Citation:
Wigand, C. A restoration framework to build coastal wetland resiliency. Society for Ecological Restoration (SER): 7th World Conference on Ecological Restoration, Foz do Iguassu, Parana, BRAZIL, August 27 - September 01, 2017.
Impact/Purpose:
A restoration framework to build coastal wetland resiliency was developed to assist in management of vulnerable coastal areas. In recent decades communities in the Northeastern US have been exposed to an increase in the frequency and intensity of storms and flooding events. A traditional adaptive management approach was modified to identify extreme event vulnerabilities and propose adaptation actions to build coastal resiliency. When possible an experimental BACI (Before-After, Control-Impact) design was incorporated into the implementation plans. Specific adaptation actions and monitoring plans are described, and include marsh shoreline protection, restoring hydrological drainage patterns, increasing marsh elevation, and enabling upland marsh migration. The restoration framework is presented as a demonstration of adaptation actions to build coastal resiliency in tidal marsh systems subject to extreme weather events.
Description:
An increase in the frequency and intensity of storms and flooding events are adversely impacting coastal wetlands. Coastal wetlands provide flood abatement, carbon and nutrient sequestration, water quality maintenance, and habitat for fish, shellfish, and wildlife, including species of concern, such as the saltmarsh sparrow (Ammodramus caudacutus). A framework and methodology adopted by scientific, management, and policy stakeholders for restoration and adaptation actions to manage coastal marshes in Northeastern, USA is described. A traditional adaptive management approach was modified to identify extreme event vulnerabilities and propose adaptation actions to build coastal resiliency. When possible an experimental BACI (Before-After, Control-Impact) design was incorporated into the implementation plans. Specific adaptation actions and monitoring plans are described, and include protecting marsh shoreline, restoring hydrological drainage patterns, increasing marsh elevation, and enabling upland marsh migration. The restoration framework is presented as a demonstration of adaptation actions to build coastal resiliency in tidal marsh systems subject to extreme weather events.