The contribution of sedimentation and tidal inundation in facilitating the recovery of coastal wetland vegetation following hydrologic restoration

Abstract

This project uses a multi-scaled approach to better understand factors driving vegetation recovery on a hydrologically restored agricultural dyke land. The objectives were to develop a simple GIS classification technique of aerial photographs to examine marsh wide restoration response; examine the relationship between tidal inundation, sediments and vegetation recovery. During the first growing season, the site was marked by a decrease in vegetation surface cover. Annual elevation surveys recorded high rates of sedimentation likely killing off non-tolerant vegetation and formed large areas of bare ground. During the second growing season an almost complete recovery in vegetation. Bare ground plots became covered with brackish or salt marsh vegetation. During the first growing season, sedimentation acted as a disturbance agent. In the second growing season, bare ground patches were colonized by brackish or salt marsh vegetation. This study highlights factors driving recovery in the early stages of restoration.