Factors Affecting Biological Recovery of Wetland Restorations

Abstract

This report describes a long-term study to monitor and evaluate the ecosystem recovery of seven wetland restorations in south central Minnesota. The study looks at the impact of planting on wetland restoration success in inland wetlands and develops a methodology to assess wetland restoration success. The study focused on the following question: To what extent can revegetation stimulate overall biological recovery in isolated restoration sites? Researchers used aspects of ecosystem function and structure to characterize recovery rates in planted and unplanted restored sites relative to one another and to reference wetlands, as well as indices of biotic integrity for plants, invertebrates, birds, and amphibians in addition to other indicators of ecosystem structure, such as soil organic matter and water chemistry. Researchers developed field protocols, created biotic indices, and established baseline monitoring on each site including an as-built topographic survey, installation of groundwater and surface water stations, characterization of soils, vegetation, and vertebrates. A long-term monitoring system is now in place that will allow for the assessment of ecosystem recovery of seven restored wetlands relative to four reference wetlands.