Identifying Ecologically Effective Wetland Restoration Techniques in Coastal Wetlands

Summary

Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG) will compare several restored brackish tidal wetlands that were or will be constructed in different formations from a variety of soil sources. These restored wetlands, located at the Old River Unit within the Lower Neches Wildlife Management Area (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Port Arthur, Texas), are in close vicinity to each other and are of similar age, providing an ideal scenario for comparisons among marsh restoration techniques. Over the last year, TAMUG has been assessing the ecological success of recently constructed wetlands (completed spring 2008) at the Old River Unit, and proposes to continue and expand upon these ongoing studies to include a set of restored wetlands that will be constructed in spring 2010. Each of these wetland areas is unique - they vary in soil source and construction design. TAMUG primary objective is to assess which restoration methods provide habitat that closely resembles natural habitat and contains the most complete set of ecological values on near-term and long-term time scales. At the conclusion of the project, TAMUG will provide concrete, quantitative recommendations about appropriate restoration approaches to land use managers, including TPWD, GLO, and city and county governments.