RESTORATION OF AN IMPOUNDED SALT-MARSH IN NEW-ENGLAND

The restoration of a 20 ha tidal marsh, impounded for 32, yr, in Stonington, Connecticut was studied to document vegetation change 10 yr after the reintroduction of tidal flushing. These data were then compared to a 1976 survey of the same marsh when it was in its freshest state and dominanted by Typha angustifolia. Currently, T. angustifolia remains vigorous only along the upland borders and in the upper reaches of the valley marsh. Live coverage of T. angustifolia has declined from 74% to 16% and surviving stands are mostly stunted and depauperate. Other brackish species have also been adversely effected, except for Phragmites australis which has increased. In contrast, the salt marsh species Spartina alterniflora has dramatically expanded, from <1% to 45% cover over the last decade. Locally, high marsh species have also become established, covering another 20% of the marsh. © 1990, Estuarine Research Federation. All rights reserved.