Water Resources Research Act Program

Details for Project ID 2009DE155B

Newly Constructed Wetland Management

Institute: Delaware
Year Established: 2009 Start Date: 2009-03-01 End Date: 2010-02-28
Total Federal Funds: $1,500 Total Non-Federal Funds: $3,000

Principal Investigators: Chad Nelson, Aaron Hallett

Project Summary: Newly constructed wetlands are susceptible to biological and hydrologic stresses that can reduce their functionality. Research will be conducted in areas including storm water management and water quality, invasive plant management, wildlife impact, plant success rates, and future use potential. It is important to realize that with a newly constructed wetland there will be considerable management and adjustment required in the first full year. Without such close management the goals intended for the site upon creation could be lost. The objectives of this project are: (1) Storm water management and water quality- Determine as close to exact the amount of storm water being captured by the wetland. Track rainfall events and how they correspond to an increase in water level. Conduct water quality comparisons between the surrounding area, the wetland and downstream water to determine benefits; (2)Invasive plant management- Track invasive plants showing up and develop management plan; (3)Wildlife impact- Observe trackable animal species and evaluate methods to influence desirable species; (4)Plant success rates- Track initial plantings to determine what plant species work in particular hydrology settings. Create plans for additional plantings to be implemented in the future. Construct thorough list of plants to be used in future wetland projects in the region; and (5)Future use potential- Analyze multiple potential future uses and develop plans and implement solutions to help wetland best suit these uses.