Mitigated Wetland Restoration: Environmental Effects at Green Bottom WildlifeManagement Area, West Virginia

摘要

This report includes several studies that document changes in plant and animalcommunities and soils as a function of natural and man-made changes of a remnant wetland located along the Ohio River. The historic wetland, called Green Bottom, was converted to agricultural fields in the early 1900's, with only remnant wetland areas remaining, largely riparian streams. Now called the Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area (GBWMA), it is located 26.7 km north of Huntington, WV (Figure 1). Most of the 338-ha area occurs between State Route 2 and the Ohio River in Cabell and Mason counties, just 13.4 km downstream of the Corps of Engineers Gallipolis Lock. The site selection, acquisition, development, and management of the GBWMA is a result of joint efforts by the U.S. Army Engineer District, Huntington, West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (WVDNR), and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). The area was purchased and established by the Corps of Engineers to mitigate impacts to wildlife and habitat incurred by implementation of the Gallipolis Locks and Dam Replacement Project. It is now managed by the WVDNR as a state hunting and fishing area under a lease agreement with and overview responsibility of the Huntington District. The area has been an important research, teaching, and recreation resource for nearby Marshall University (MU), environmental groups, and interested citizens.