Posts Tagged ‘marsh restoration’
CCA Building Conservation Program and partners set to reclaim Louisiana marsh
TERREBONNE PARISH, LA – CCA’s Building Conservation Habitat Program, in partnership with Shell Oil Company, Terrebonne Parish Government, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, America’s Wetlands, Entergy and Enterprise Products, will launch a restoration project later this month to rebuild part of the coastline in Terrebonne Parish utilizing the unique “Floating Islands” product.
With just slivers of marsh remaining in some areas along the coast, the restoration project will use the Floating Islands’ matrix, which is made of recycled plastic, to plant native species and allow them to grow a root system to the water bottom. The plants will trap sediments and eventually grow toward and tie into the remaining marsh, strengthening it into a sustainable, flourishing mass.
“This is a great initiative where students from local schools – Pointe Aux Chene Elementary and Montegut Middle School – and other local volunteers will be participating to save their marsh,” said John Walther, chairman of CCA Louisiana’s Habitat Committee. “The Floating Island matrix is designed to give the plants a better anchor to the bottom and increase the likelihood that they will take hold and begin to grow outward. The ultimate goal is to find a way to increase the amount of marsh we have by tying these new plants into existing marsh. We’re going to fight to take our marsh back one foot at a time.”
The project is the first to use “floating islands” technology, developed by Martin EcoSystems, in an open-water application in the marine environment, although the technique has been used for shoreline stabilization in conjunction with hurricane protection levees in south Louisiana. Plans call for about 1,500 linear feet of the islands to be installed in this project using two types of marsh grass – smooth cord in the center and seashore paspalum on the edges – to create a habitat component.
“The plants are installed in the matrix onshore and then the matrix is moved to the water for installation. More planting matrix can be added in later stages to expand the area,” explained Walther. “This is a relatively new technique and it holds more promise for shoreline protection than efforts utilizing recycled Christmas trees, for example. This method is also more economical than traditional planting methods and there are plenty of places we could use something cheap and effective along our disappearing coastline.”
CCA members, local students, Shell employees and other volunteers will gather Sept. 23-24 to prepare the mats, each of which is 5 feet by 8 feet and can hold 50 to 60 plants. For those who prefer to pitch in without getting muddy, the public is invited to purchase additional plants for the Terrebonne “Floating Islands” Restoration Project by visiting the CCA Louisiana web site at this link: http://www.ccalouisiana.com/cca11/news/369-floating-island-project.
Both the CCA Building Conservation Habitat Program and the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government have each pledged $50,000 for the project, Entergy has pledged $30,000 and America’s Wetland has donated $10,000 in logistical support, tents, media transport, meals and refreshments.
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The Building Conservation Program was created to provide funding for marine habitat conservation and restoration projects. Thanks to support from Shell Oil Company, program funds are combined with local CCA chapter network volunteer efforts to identify and organize conservation projects, engaging local communities to work together for marine conservation.
In the “floating islands” concept, plant roots grow through the island into the water column below. As water passes through the network of hanging roots underneath the floating matrix, the plant roots remove nutrients and pollutants in the water. These same nutrients provide the food source that the plants need for growth and the result is a “concentrated wetland” effect. Images provided by Martin EcoSystems.
Tags: CCA Building Conservation, Louisiana habaitat, marsh restoration
Posted in CCA Building Conservation, CCA Gulf of Mexico | No Comments »
CCA Texas habitat program funds $50,000 to restore West Galveston Bay wetlands
HOUSTON, TX - Adding to an already impressive list of offshore artificial reefing and habitat restoration projects, the CCA Texas Habitat Today for Fish Tomorrow (HTFT) program has announced it is funding $50,000 toward an ambitious marsh restoration project in West Galveston Bay. CCA Texas is joining with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department on Phase I of the Bird Island Cove project, which will deploy 4,400 linear feet of geo-textile tubing and directly restore almost 57 acres of marsh habitat.
“Wetlands loss is a major concern in Texas, as it is in all coastal states,” said Jay Gardner, chairman of the CCA Texas HTFT program. “We are very proud to be in a position to work with other organizations and with state agencies to begin the monumental task of creating, restoring and conserving these habitats that are so important to our marine resources.”
The Galveston Bay complex has experienced greater wetlands loss than almost anywhere else in the state. Between 1950 and 1985, the system lost an estimated 20 percent of its wetlands and 70 percent of its seagrass. Based on historical information, most of the damage has occurred in West Galveston Bay and recent aerial research indicates that marsh habitat continues to disappear at a rapid rate.
“These habitats are at the very core of a healthy marine system and it is critical to not only stop losing wetlands, but also start to rebuild them where they have disappeared,” said Robby Byers, executive director of CCA Texas. “This type of restoration project is essential if we are going to continue to enjoy the incredible marine resources we have in this state. CCA members see this as a direct means of giving something back to the resource and ensuring a healthy future for all types of marine life.”
Phase I of the project has an estimated cost of $1.3 million and the $50,000 from CCA Texas will be leveraged for up to three times that amount in matching grant dollars. The geo-textile tubes will act as a breakwater to set the stage for the restoration of intertidal marsh complex. Dredge material will then be pumped into the protected area to raise the elevation and create different types of habitat, including salt flats and salt marsh. When fully completed, the project is expected to benefit almost 250 acres of intertidal marsh habitat that will be used by all types of fish, birds and shellfish.
“There is a considerable amount of engineering and construction that goes into a project like this, but the method has a proven track record of success in previous projects at Snake Island Cove, Carancahua Cove, Jumbile Cove and others,” said Byers. “West Galveston Bay is a particular area of concern, but we are committed to turning the tide on habitat loss there and restoring it to its full potential.”
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CCA is the largest marine resource conservation group of its kind in the nation. With almost 100,000 members in 17 state chapters, CCA has been active in state, national and international fisheries management issues since 1977. For more information visit the CCA Newsroom at www.JoinCCA.org.
Tags: HTFT, marine habitat, marsh restoration
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CCA Texas’ Habitat Today for Fish Tomorrow (HTFT) is donating $10,000 and joining hands with the Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program (CBBEP) and the Fish America Foundation (FAF) to help restore 150 acres of marsh that has been lost to various factors along Nueces Bay’s Portland Causeway.
“This project is vital to restoring this once dynamic area,” said HTFT Director John Blaha. “With a little help, this area will become prime habitat for many species including crabs, shrimp and bait fish. Once this occurs, gamefish will follow and the circle of life will be restored.”
CCA Texas’ HTFT Program, a major habitat restoration program that was initiated in 2008, has already dedicated tens of thousands of dollars for various projects including reef creation and marsh restoration initiatives along Texas’ near-shore waters. The projects are funded through CCA Texas fundraising efforts as well as with outside support from individuals, corporations and foundations.
“CCA Texas has placed a major emphasis on habitat projects and this project, much like the Goose Island project in Aransas Bay and the Sportsman Road project in Galveston Bay, are a major step forward in restoring and conserving vital habitat areas for the future,” stated Robby Byers, CCA Texas executive director. “The more habitat areas we can restore today means more habitat, more fish, and better angling opportunities for the future. CCA Texas is able to continue this important work thanks to the dedication of our 50,000 members who understand the importance of giving today for a brighter future tomorrow. CCA Texas is proud to be a partner with CBBEP and FAF in this important project.”
Tags: marsh restoration, texas marine habitat
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Texas Parks & Wildlife Department (TPWD) recently completed Phase I of a 25-acre marsh restoration project within the Goose Island State Park in Rockport, Texas. CCA Texas Aransas Bay Chapter President Karen Wiatrek, and CCA Texas Assistant Director John Blaha recently surveyed the completion of Phase I work with TPWD officials and Charles Belaire of Belaire Environmental.
After surveying the site, Wiatrek handed Belaire a $25,000 check from the CCA Texas Habitat Today for Fish Tomorrow program for the planting of 10,000 marsh plants that finished out the 12 acres as part of Phase I. Phase II construction is planned to begin this summer and will result in the restoration of 25 acres of lost wetlands and marsh along the Aransas Bay shoreline.
Tags: marsh restoration
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Dozens of CCA Texas volunteers from across the state recently spent a day transplanting marsh grass at the Goose Island State Park Marsh Restoration Project in Rockport. The project, coordinated by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD), is restoring more than 20 acres of saltwater marsh along the Lamar Peninsula that has been steadily eroding since the 1960s.
Park Manager Stormy Reeves and Project Coordinator Kay Jenkins began the day with an overview of the project and a Q&A session. Armed with a greater appreciation of the marsh and its importance, volunteers then went to work transplanting previously prepared plants.
“It was hard work but extremely gratifying,” said Aggieland Chapter President Sam Gaertner. “To have an opportunity to give back to the community and the resource is one of the primary reasons I am involved with CCA Texas. My fellow chapter members and I are extremely proud to be able to take part in such a worthwhile project.”
When all was said and done, the day was deemed a tremendous success. Approximately 1,860 plugs of grass were transplanted, covering three islands in the eastern part of the marsh. Further plantings will take place as conditions allow.
“The Goose Island team is grateful for the time and effort of the volunteers,” said Reeves. “Not only is it an educational experience and an opportunity to give back to the resource, the hours spent and the number of plants transplanted help in the grant matching process that help secure necessary funds for restoration projects such as this one.”
CCA Texas has contributed $25,000 to the project through the Habitat Today for Fish Tomorrow (HTFT) initiative.
“CCA Texas and HTFT are proud to be a part of this important project,” said HTFT Director John Blaha. “Not only does HTFT provide funding opportunities for these types of projects, but they are an excellent opportunity for CCA Texas volunteers to take a hands-on role in the restoration process of Texas’ coastal resources.”
Tags: marsh restoration
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