SMALL MARSH RESTORATION PROJECT by Brenda Brydon

One program of the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture is the small marsh restoration program. Under this program, small overgrown wetlands are restored increasing habitat for many wildlife species. This type of wetland may be located on agricultural land that is too wet to farm, as an extension of a salt marsh, or in a natural basin.

An on-site inspection of the site is conducted and information such as the amount of open water, vegetation present, size, and proximity to other wetlands is recorded. Each wetland is evaluated according to this data. If the site is selected for restoration, a plan is prepared, agreements with all applicable landowners are signed, and a contractor is hired to excavate a series of small ponds and channels throughout the overgrown areas of the wetland. These excavated areas are approximately two to three feet deep to allow for maximum feeding opportunities for dabbling ducks, herons, and other shallow water wetland wildlife. The area surrounding the actual wetland is not disturbed. Spoil piles are levelled after marsh development and, by the following spring, the spoil banks are re-established with vegetation thus returning the area to its natural state within a year. 1

To date approximately twenty small marshes have been restored around the Island. We are monitoring wildlife usage of these areas both before and after restoration. This information will allow us to determine some of the effects which we may be having on wildlife associated with these habitats. In most cases, we are observing an almost immediate increase in amphibian populations in these areas after creating the ponds and channels.

We are continually looking for freshwater areas to develop. If you know of an area which may be developed under our program, please let us know. If the wetland is not eligible, we offer helpful hints on what the landowner might do to protect the wetland or to increase the use of the area by wildlife.

If you would like more information on this or any of our other projects, please contact me at 368-4668 or write me at P.E.I. Department of the Environment, P.O. Box 2000, Charlottetown, P.E.I. CIA 7N8

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