1. Delaware Bay Regional Biologists
Implementation of Cost-Effective Wetland & Buffer Restoration Projects for Maximum Waterfowl Habitat Benefits
Kirk Mantay
and
Scott Reinhart
Delaware Bay Regional Biologists
Ducks Unlimited

2. Restoration MUST be based on good science and decision-making
Region-wide planning and targeted delivery areas
Create habitat goals from
population objectives (Implementation Plans)
Use species specific breeding and wintering data.
As well as layers that are regionally important

3. Once those things are in place, it’s time to think about:
What Restoration Techniques are Cost Effective relative to your goals, objectives, and budget?

4. Pre-Construction Management of Restoration Area
Techniques
Often cost-effective

5. Managing Construction Costs and Benefits

6. Earthwork (large-scale)
Constructing landforms to increase/
enhance
wetland habitat

7. Earthwork (microtopography)
No research results on direct benefits to waterfowl, however;
Increases plant diversity,
Reduces runoff velocity, and
May improve water quality
Cost—high—labor & equipment time

8. Erosion Control Structures
Biologs, matting, netting
Cost: High
Should be installed by a contractor with previous experience!

9. Water Level Control
Water control, or hydrologic manipulation, is a key component of most wetland restorations
Misunderstood hydrology has been shown to be the #1 cause of restoration failure

10. Post-Construction Measures

11. Planting & Seeding Cost-effective when: Existing seedbank poor/sparse
Your goals require quick, successful establishment of a specific plant community
You want to “jump start” natural succession
No future site management proposed
High quality plant material is available

12. Invasive Species Management
Project goals--
What density of invasive plants is tolerable once the rest of your site is densely vegetated and otherwise “successful?”

13. Conclusion
Combining Human Action with Natural Features works for Wetland Restoration!
Never forget your design goals!
Just because a technology or method is available or popular does not mean that it will move you toward your habitat goals.
However, many proven methods now exist that can move projects toward their ultimate habitat goals.