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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Research Needs
TITLE: Gulf Coast Marsh Ecosystem
Restoration/Management/Protection
SUBMITTING BUREAU: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Originating Offices: Regions 2 and 4
DATE SUBMITTED: June 15, 1997
BIN NUMBER: FWS04CR98
BRD REGION: Central
DESCRIPTION OF NEED: The vast coastal marshes of Louisiana and Texas are being stressed via disruption of freshwater and sediment inflows; saltwater intrusion; seismic activities; rice agriculture; oil/gas pipelines; subsidence; relative sea-level rise; and exotic plants. Coupled with these impacts is a lack of acceptable/endorsed marsh-management and rice-culture techniques to help enhance/restore wildlife benefits and reduce loss of intermediate/freshwater marshes. Research is needed to curb these impacts and document acceptable management practices (water regimes, control structures, water and sediment diversion, fire, modified cropping, etc.) that will control the loss of marsh habitats and associated prairie/rice systems.
MANAGEMENT PROBLEM WITH NEED: Many thousands of acres of the highly productive low-saline/fresh marshes are being lost annually due to saltwater intrusion and other man-related actions which eventually (over time) cause a habitat change from marsh to open water. Acceptable multipurpose, multi species water-control structures or other devices/techniques may be required to stem losses on public lands that are critical to many avian groups. Associated with the marsh system and a major component of the adjoining landscape are ricelands. The current importance of these lands for migratory birds needs to be assessed including alternative cultivation management factors and potentials for natural-prairie restoration.
Examples of problems needing more scientific and biologically sound studies are:
a. Primary causes of saltwater intrusion; successful mitigation techniques; use of GIS/mapping methods to provide landscape overview of problems and location of major regions of concern.
b.Best ways to use structures (weirs, gates, impoundments, etc.) to meet multi species objectives (waterfowl, fish, shellfish, etc.) and advance restoration of fresh/intermediate marsh plant types.
c. Life history and control methods for exotic plant species such as tallow trees, cogan grass, alligatorweed, etc.
d. Response of birds to rice cultivation practices and potentials/techniques for conversion back to natural prairies.
e. Assessment of the role of fire for meeting wildlife/habitat restoration goals.
f. Documentation of impacts of 3D seismic surveys on plants and animals.
g. Evaluation of marsh/sediment building techniques such as creation of splays, freshwater diversion, etc.
BUREAU CONTACT: Frank Bowers (404/679-7188) - Region 4, Kathy Granillo (505/248-6818) - Region 2
BRD PRIMARY CENTER: NWRC (NWRC, NWRC)
BRD CENTER CONTACTS: Ed Proffitt (NWRC - Don Cahoon, Bill Hohman, Rebecca Howard, Jimmy Johnston, Bill Jones, Elijah Ramsey), (ECRC - Chris Onuf, FCSC - Russ Hall )
RESULTS OF BRD-INITIATED COMMUNICATIONS (FY99): Held phone discussions Nov. 1998 with Frank Bowers (Region 4) regarding the status of our current work on protecting and restoring gulf coast marshes. Frank opined that we (BRD) were meeting most of their needs on this BIN and that this is a very important research need. Have left messages for Kathy Granillo (Region 2) with requests for updates. It is possible that a pre-BIN-meeting workshop held by NWRC on this issue and detailing a summary of important findings to date would facilitate information transfer. Further discussions on this point will be held.
Many projects of the National Wetlands Research Center are addressing the myriad aspects of this BIN. These are detailed below:
a) Dr. Rebecca Howard has initiated a study to identify different strains of several plant species that are "high biomass producers" under various suites of environmental conditions. These rapid growers could be useful for restoration in marshes throughout the Gulf coast if associated genetic work (also by Dr. Howard) indicates that their introduction would not disrupt the local gene pool. This work is a cooperative venture between USGS and the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources.
b) Dr. Ed Proffitt (NWRC) has a cooperative study in association with Dr. Steve Travis at the Louisiana Environmental Research Center at McNeese State University (Lake Charles, LA) that addresses the success of using dredge sediments in marsh construction. The projects primarily involve ecological assessments and analyses of genetic diversity in developing marshes. One paper will be published in the Proceedings of the Recent Research in Louisiana on colonization and dominance in these coastal marshes. A related project by Proffitt and a graduate student was recently completed and involves an experiment on the usefulness of fire in removing oil spills from Spartina alterniflora marsh. A paper on this latter work has been accepted by Estuaries.
c) The importance of genetic analysis in restoration will also be the focus of a special session organized by Proffitt, Travis, and Sue Grace (NWRC) at the 1999 Estuarine Research Federation biannual meeting. At this session, invited speakers funded through a grant from EPA to Travis, will address the "whys" and "how tos" of restoration genetics in estuarine communities and will document important case studies in coastal marsh, mangrove, and seagrass systems. Contributed papers and posters will address many other related topics. This special event will be important as "technology transfer" to managers.
d) Dr. Don Cahoon (NWRC) has studies of marsh erosion and accretion underway in marsh sites around the nation and world using his feldspar marker horizon and Sediment Erosion Table techniques. Many of his study sites are on public lands including national wildlife refuges (examples: Delta and Sabine NWR), national parks (Everglades NP), and national estuarine research reserves (Rookery Bay). These projects directly address the BIN since they focus on rates of marsh loss and processes causing that loss.
e) Dr. Cahoon also has a study of hydrologic restoration at Brady Canal, LA in which nutrients and sedimentation are being studied in a flow-through system. This project is being conducted in association with Drs. Lee Foote and Bill Rizzo, and the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources.
f) Dr. Clint Jeske and Mr. Wayne Norling (NWRC), in association with Bill Holman (Natural Resources Conservation Service), and the Gulf Coast Joint Venture have a project studying patterns of migratory bird use in rice fields in Louisiana and Texas. Similar to other freshwater habitats that are seasonally-flooded, rice fields (also rotation crops) have high potential value for wetland-dependent wildlife, especially shorebirds, wading birds, and waterfowl. The objectives of this research are to (1) inventory waterbird abundance and (2) evaluate effects of selected habitat variables on waterbird species composition and abundance in flooded agricultural lands in the Gulf Coast region. Patterns of use of agricultural fields may help explain changes in use of refuge wetlands, and needs and techniques of restoration.
g) Dr. Jim Grace (NWRC) is studying the restoration and management of coastal prairie, one of the Gulf Coast's rarest terrestrial ecosystems. His project is conducted mainly at Brazoria NWR, with some effort and/or applicability at Lacassine NWR, Cameron Prairie NWR, Sabine NWR, Altwater Prarie Chicken NWR, Aransas NWR, Matagoria Island NWR, and Big Boggy NWR. The prime efforts involve basic studies on prairie vegetation and fire-mediated succession. Also, a major project studies the biology and control (using fire) in this ecosystem of the noxious invasive exotic chinese tallow. A field office in Texas has one of Dr. Graces's USGS assistants using GIS to map prairie and tallow infestation, etc.
h) Dr. Grace and Mr. Larry Allain have a related subproject that involves the development of a photographic and database CD/web site of species in the coastal prairie. This will be a useful tool for managers to use in identifying plants in this system. The product is expected to be finalized by mid-Spring 1999.
i) Dr. Rebecca Howard also has a project entitled "Effects of 3-D seismic exploration on soils and plant communities" at the Sabine NWR. The project that concludes in 1999 is documenting possible changes in plant community structure caused by airboats and related activities. This directly addresses a component of the BIN (seismic 3-D), and will provide managers with important tools for their use in managing these impacts.
j) Dr. Tommy Michot and Mr. Ron Boustany (NWRC) are studying basic ecology of submerged aquatic vegetation and means of restoration of SAVs and marsh. These studies are being conducted in conjunction with the St. John's Water Management District (Florida) and the EPA (Pensacola office). While the work involves greenhouse and Florida field studies, the species using are wide-ranging and applicability of results will be concomitantly broad.
k) Dr. Chris Onuf (NWRC - Corpus Christi field office) has a study of dredged materials disposal leading to the encroachment of the succulent marsh plant Salicornia spp. Onto tidal flats in the Laguna Madre NWR. The succulent may affect foraging habitat for overwintering shorebirds, and is thus may be an important focus for management activities by the NWR and possibly the Padre Island National Seashore.
l) Through funding provided by the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act (CWPPRA), Dr. Jimmy Johnston, John Barras, and Bill Jones (NWRC) are providing GIS data for numerous coastal wetland restoration projects. Data supplied to FWS and other federal and state agencies allows proper valuation of potential restoration projects, assessments of successes and failures, and identification of user/owner conflicts.
m) Dr. Elijah Ramsey (NWRC) is conducting a study of the potential for use of remote sensing for detecting "early" changes in wetland vegetation related to various disturbances. Most of the work has been at the St. Marks NWR in Florida.
n) Mr. Larry Handley and Bill Jones (NWRC) are using infrared aerial photography to analyze changes in wetland communities at Lacassine NWR. This study compares data from 1956, 1978, 1988, and 1995.
o) Steve Hartley (NWRC) trained refuge personnel at the Southeast Louisiana Refuge Office in the use of ARC/View 3 software and installed this software for their use in managing their systems.
DATE SUBMITTED TO REGIONAL OFFICE: December 18, 1998
PREPARED BY: Dr. Ed Proffitt, USGS/BRD, National Wetlands Research Center, 700 Cajundome Blvd., Lafayette, LA 70506
RESULTS OF BRD-INITIATED COMMUNICATION (FY98): Communications with FWS personnel Kathy Granillo, Region 2, and Frank Bowers, Region 4, indicate this BIN is an important research priority.
Don Cahoon, National Wetlands Research Center, has a major research program underway that directly supports this BIN. Study topics include: innovative methods for wetland restoration; sediment and nutrient availability in the vicinity of Brady Canal (LA) hydrologic restoration project as measured with a flow-through system; evaluation of marsh surface sediment deposition and suspended sediment availability in the Brady Canal (LA) hydrologic restoration project; sedimentation and subsidence in the vicinity of an uncontrolled diversion at Delta National Wildlife Refuge (LA); and the effects of habitat on vertical accretion on natural crevasse splays at Delta National Wildlife Refuge (LA). The project is expected to continue for the next 3-5 years and will provide the FWS with a major database and numerous informational reports that will provide technical guidance in restoration/management of coastal marsh systems.
Jimmy Johnston and John Barras, National Wetlands Research Center, have provided GIS data to FWS Region 4 personnel in the planning of over 80 coastal wetlands restoration projects in Louisiana. This restoration effort is funded through the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA). Data supplied to the FWS (and other agencies) are used to conduct wetland value assessments, identify potential conflicts related to land rights and oil and gas issues, and resolve natural resource conflicts relating to impacts of restoration on oyster beds/leases.
Jimmy Johnston and Bill Jones, National Wetlands Research Center, have initiated monitoring studies on 30 coastal restoration projects in Louisiana. These projects, funded with funds from CWPPRA, are coordinated between the National Wetlands Research Center, FWS Region 4, and the Louisiana Department of Natural resources.
Elijah Ramsey, National Wetlands Research Center, has initiated a research effort designed to result in a remote sensing tool for monitoring and as an early warning system for detecting wetland changes. Work has been conducted at St. Marks NWR in Florida.
Bill Jones and Larry Handley, National Wetlands Research Center, are developing habitat maps and a GIS assessment of changes in wetland vegetation communities on Lacassine NWR (Louisiana) by analyzing infrared photography for 1956, 1978, 1988 and 1995.
Steve Hartley, National Wetlands Research Center, installed and trained refuge personnel at Southeast Louisiana Refuge Office on the use of ARC/VIEW 3 software. This software is used by refuge personnel for wetlands management.
Chris Onuf, Environmental Contaminants Research Center, is investigating the effects of hydrological alteration by road construction and dredged materials disposal on encroachment of succulent vascular plants (Salicornia) onto wind-tidal flats at Laguna Atascosa NWR, in south Texas. The concern is that tidal flats onto which Salicornia has encroached may be altered as foraging habitats for migrating and overwintering shorebirds. This study will assist refuge personnel in better managing road construction/dredge disposal activities on refuges so they do not negatively impact migratory bird resources.
Jim Grace and Larry Allain, National Wetlands Research Center, are conducting a major project on the restoration/management of Gulf coastal prairie. Project components include: inventory and monitoring of habitat types and plant communities; evaluation of the effects of prescribed burns on plant communities; studies of the biology and control of the exotic invader Chinese Tallow; and investigations of best management practices for restoration of native coastal prairies. Fish and Wildlife Service refuges currently involved in restoration/management of coastal prairies include: Lacassine NWR (LA), Cameron Prairie NWR (LA), Sabine NWR (LA), Anahuac NWR (TX), Altwater Prairie Chicken NWR (TX), Brazoria-San Bernard NWR Complex (TX), Big Boggy NWR (TX), Aransas NWR (TX), and Matagorda Island NWR (TX).
Rebecca Howard, National Wetlands Research Center, initiated a management oriented project at Sabine NWR (LA) in FY97 entitled, "Effects of 3-D Seismic Exploration on Soils and Plant Communities." The work is designed to provide refuge managers with documented data on the effects of seismic exploration on Gulf coast marsh ecosystems. The project will conclude in FY99.
Rebecca Howard, National Wetlands Research Center, is conducting research on the dynamics of fresh water-intermediate marsh plant communities under disturbed salinity and water logging regimes. This research is aimed at improving our understanding about how coastal marsh ecosystems respond to salinity increases resulting from subsidence of coastal areas or from storm events in the Gulf of Mexico. The results of this research will be of benefit to coastal wetland managers in devising successful management programs for coastal marsh systems and in developing restorative measures.
DATE SUBMITTED TO REGIONAL OFFICE: December 5, 1997
PREPARED BY: Carroll L. Cordes, National Wetlands Research Center, 700 Cajundome Blvd., Lafayette, La 70506, e-mail: carroll_cordes@usgs.gov
U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://biology.usgs.gov/cro/98fws-4.htm
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