Ecological analysis before and after planting in a constructed wetland in the Adirondacks

Published source details Pier B.M., Dresser B.R., Lee J.J., Boylen C.W. & Nierzwicki-Bauer S.A. (2015) Ecological analysis before and after planting in a constructed wetland in the Adirondacks. Wetlands, 35, 611-624.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Restore/create freshwater marshes or swamps (multiple actions) Action Link

Restore/create freshwater marshes or swamps (multiple actions)

A study in 2011–2013 of a created freshwater marsh in New York, USA (Pier et al. 2015) reported that it contained 44–46 plant species after approximately two years. There were 17 plant species present in the summer one year after creation began (and before deliberately planting vegetation) and 44–46 species present in the summer two years after creation began (one year after planting). Plant species diversity was also higher in the second summer (data reported as a diversity index; statistical significance not assessed). Note that sampling effort was not the same in both years. In the second summer, the plant communities somewhat differed between pools within the marsh, with an average 59% similarity in composition. Methods: A stormwater treatment marsh was created by (a) demolishing buildings and excavating eight pools in June 2011, (b) clearing established vegetation, reprofiling the pools and planting 85 species of trees, shrubs, emergent herbs and submerged herbs, in September 2012, and (c) mowing in July 2013. Plant species and their cover were surveyed along three 20-m transects in June 2012, then nine 20-m transects (1–2 transects/pool) in June and August 2013. Transects included terrestrial, emergent wetland and aquatic vegetation.

(Summarised by: Nigel Taylor)