Hydrologic modeling as a predictive basis for ecological restoration of salt marshes |
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Authors: | Charles T Roman Richard W Garvine John W Portnoy |
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Institution: | (1) Present address: National Park Service Cooperative Park Studies Unit Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island, 02882 Narragansett, Rhode Island, USA;(2) Graduate College of Marine Studies, University of Delaware, 19716 Newark, Delaware, USA;(3) Present address: National Park Service, Cape Cod National Seashore, 02663 Massachusetts, South Wellfleet, USA |
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Abstract: | Roads, bridges, causeways, impoundments, and dikes in the coastal zone often restrict tidal flow to salt marsh ecosystems.
A dike with tide control structures, located at the mouth of the Herring River salt marsh estuarine system (Wellfleet, Massachusetts)
since 1908, has effectively restricted tidal exchange, causing changes in marsh vegetation composition, degraded water quality,
and reduced abundance of fish and macroinvertebrate communities. Restoration of this estuary by reintroduction of tidal exchange
is a feasible management alternative. However, restoration efforts must proceed with caution as residential dwellings and
a golf course are located immediately adjacent to and in places within the tidal wetland. A numerical model was developed
to predict tide height levels for numerous alternative openings through the Herring River dike. Given these model predictions
and knowledge of elevations of flood-prone areas, it becomes possible to make responsible decisions regarding restoration.
Moreover, tidal flooding elevations relative to the wetland surface must be known to predict optimum conditions for ecological
recovery. The tide height model has a universal role, as demonstrated by successful application at a nearby salt marsh restoration
site in Provincetown, Massachusetts. Salt marsh restoration is a valuable management tool toward maintaining and enhancing
coastal zone habitat diversity. The tide height model presented in this paper will enable both scientists and resource professionals
to assign a degree of predictability when designing salt marsh restoration programs. |
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Keywords: | Salt marsh Habitat restoration Hydrologic modeling Massachusetts |
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