 |
||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
  Ducks Unlimited, Inc.’s (DU) wetland restoration practices, whether as part of its Habitat Steward Program or as a contributor to the Conservation Reserve and Enhancement Program (CREP), are designed to work, as much as possible, within the existing landscape features of a proposed site. For example, a ditch running through an agricultural field may be plugged and bisected with a low level berm that ties into existing site topography. This technique requires minimal earth-moving while allowing the restored wetland to capture the maximum amount of water draining into the area. Other restoration practices may include reestablishing hydrology to the site with shallow depressions or "potholes" to provide seasonal wetland habitat. This site, near Sharpsburg, MD, is a CREP wetland restoration project completed in the summer of 2001 and is characterized by two different wetland units. The first is a moist soil area consisting of various excavated depressions and was designed to seasonally flood and work with the site topography, including a pre-existing alluvial ridge. The second unit is a deeper, emergent wetland designed to hold water throughout the year. This project restored 10 acres of wetland habitat and 1 acre of upland habitat. In addition, to increase habitat diversity, small plots of trees were planted throughout the site. The landowner’s main objective for participating in the CREP program was improved wildlife viewing opportunities through habitat restoration. Panorama taken October 15, 2001 |
|
||||||||||||||||||
