Monitoring Study, Eastern Neck Island National Wildlife Refuge. Wetlands ResearchProgram

摘要

Eastern Neck Island National Wildlife Refuge was selected as a demonstration sitefor the construction of a wetland creation and erosion control project incorporating beneficial use of dredged material. Fine-grained, sandy dredged material was used to construct 2.02 hectares of estuarine, emergent wetland. Project objectives were to (a) provide an environmentally preferable alternative to unconfined, overboard dredged material disposal; (b) stop or minimize erosional losses of ecologically valuable habitats; and (c) create wetland habitat. This monitoring study covering two growing seasons was undertaken to determine if project objectives bad been met and the potential for expanded application of beneficial uses of dredged material in Chesapeake Bay. Modifications to the erosion control design used at Eastern Neck could improve dredged material stability. Changes in plant materials and planting methods could improve the rate of wetland habitat development. Fish and wildlife utilization of created habitats included 19 species of birds, 2 species of reptiles, 12 species of fish, and 5 species of mammals. Study findings suggest the approach used at Eastern Neck, with modification, could be applied elsewhere in Chesapeake Bay for habitat protection and creation.