Project: Multiple
County: Multiple
By Peter Ziegler, WWA Project Director
Over the past month we have been busy working on projects during which time I have installed four water control structures, disabling drainage features of several wetlands. These will provide the ability to manage water levels to control vegetation. This becomes a key component in wetland management these days, with our wetlands being workhorses for water management, they take on a lot of nutrients and sediment and are continually being invaded by invasive species. Having the ability to manage water levels gives landowners the ability to effectively manage wetlands for desired vegetation and wildlife. It also provides the ability to mimic natural wet and dry cycles through draw downs. Draw downs are an important aspect and natural occurrence for wetlands. If you plan ahead you can accomplish two critical goals with the water control structures; drawing down the water to solidify suspended solids and promote native wetland vegetation, while at the same time providing access to control unwanted or invasive species.
We should be busy in the coming month so long as our recent large rain events do not continue. It was well needed in most parts, but the volume over such a short period puts wetlands hard at work and hampers our ability to access many of the restoration sites.