Authors:
Ryan Allison, Senior Project Scientist at SWCA
Publication Date:
2023
Abstract/Summary:
We aim to enrich the toolkit of ecological restoration practitioners, addressing the often overlooked but pivotal role of sediment remediation in habitat revitalization.
Addressing contaminated sediments in freshwater systems can reshape their ecology by impacting vegetation through dredging. Swiftly restoring these systems to their natural state aligns with project goals, optimizing budgets and timelines. Despite limited conclusive research, successful projects have tackled this issue. Collaboratively, our team devised a large-scale process for harvesting, propagating, installing, and monitoring submersed aquatic vegetation (SAV) transplants, yielding diverse outcomes.
The re-vegetation strategy commenced with analyzing river segments to pinpoint optimal re-establishment spots. Species selection relied on pre-dredging surveys and commercial availability. Rigorous small-scale trials informed transplant methods before full-scale implementation. In its third year, ongoing monitoring demonstrates remarkable SAV cover increase: from <10% in year one to >90% by year three. Our presentation dissects encountered field variables and challenges, illustrating their impact on SAV transplant success. Explored factors include water depth, turbidity, herbivory, harvesting techniques, timing, and plant life-cycle synchronization.
Resource Type:
Webinar
Pre-approved for CECs under SER's CERP program
Source:
Strategies for Establishing Submersed Aquatic Vegetation in Freshwater Environments Post-Dredging