August 20, 2020
Coastal wetlands in much of New England and the mid-Atlantic are not keeping pace with sea-level rise. A surprising result is that legacy effects of farming and mosquito control practices are leading to an increase in interior ponding and die off across New York and the five coastal New England states — resulting in a significant loss of habitat for the saltmarsh sparrow and other species. Runnels, also described as shallow creeks, are a technique to restore tidal hydrology and help salt marshes revegetate and adapt to accelerated sea-level rise. Runnels have been used as an adaptive management technique since 2013 and the presenters will share monitoring data and lessons learned.
Speakers
Susan C. Adamowicz, Ph.D. (Land Management Research and Demonstration Biologist, Rachel Carson NWR)
Adamowicz is an estuarine ecosystem scientist specializing in salt marshes of the Northeast U.S. With more than 20 years’ experience in coastal issues, her current focus is on innovative restoration techniques, preservation of existing marsh acreage and planning for the future marsh footprint.
David Burdick, Ph.D. (Jackson Estuarine Laboratory, University of New Hampshire)
Burdick’s study of coastal ecology spans 35 years, concentrating on coastal habitats by assessing human impacts, planning, implementing and monitoring habitat restoration. He has taught wetlands courses over the past twenty years and recently published a book with Charles Roman to translate and extend lessons learned from tidal restoration of salt marshes.
Wenley Ferguson (Save the Bay)
Ferguson is the director of habitat restoration for Save the Bay (Narragansett Bay), an independent, member-supported, nonprofit organization that focuses on advocacy, education, and habitat restoration and adaptation. She has worked to conserve the bay for three decades through projects focused on salt marsh, anadromous fish, and coastal buffer restoration projects and restoration monitoring, among others.
Geoffrey Wilson (Northeast Wetland Restoration; Bear Creek Wildlife Sanctuary)
Wilson is founder and owner of Northeast Wetland Restoration, a consulting firm that specializes in restoring wetlands in difficult locations. His 20+ years of hands-on experience runs from salt hay farming to mosquito control to restoration. Wilson is also the creator and sanctuary manager for Bear Creek Wildlife Sanctuary in Saugus, Massachusetts.
Check out the post webinar questions and answers here.
Questions? Contact Bridget_Macdonald@fws.gov or Christine_McCue@fws.gov