Wetland Restoration
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Restoring Vegetation in Wetlands
Restoring the water and plant community in a former or degraded wetland to improve water quality and provide wildlife habitat.
Description
Most wetland restoration work involves the use of small structures to hold water in an area where drainage, filling, or other methods were previously used to remove natural wetland characteristics. Surface drains and subsurface tile lines may be plugged. Concrete and earthen structures – usually low dikes or ditch plugs – are installed to retain water and maintain a specified water level. In some instances, adjustable outlets allow the landowner to fluctuate the water level during different seasons.
Benefits
- Wetlands help improve water quality by interception surface runoff, trapping sediment, and processing nutrients and organic wastes before they reach open water.
- Wetlands store water temporarily, allowing it to percolate slowly into the ground, evaporate, or be absorbed by the roots of wetland plants. This temporary storage reduces peak water flows after storms.
- Wetlands provide habitat for waterfowl and many other species of wildlife.
Planning
- Is there an adequate water supply?
- What types of wildlife are desirable?
- Will the entire site need to be planted?
- Will plugged drains or breaking tile lines to restore the wetland have adverse effects on other parts of the farm or neighboring farms?
Tech Notes
- Work with our office to select plants for the restoration site, buffer, and any earthen structures.
- Obtain necessary permits or authorizations before construction.
- Keep livestock away from the area, unless the area is included in a grazing management plan.
Maintenance
- Some vegetation may need to be replanted until well established.
- Keep burrowing animals out of earthen structures and outlets free of debris.
- Inspect and repair pipe structures.