Some Strategic Considerations for Habitat Restoration

Frederick W (Rick) Kutz, Ph.D.

Environmental Scientist

Email: rick.kutz@comcast.net

Today’s Presentation

Describe Some Strategic Considerations for Habitat (Ecological) Restoration and Preservation Riparian Buffers, Wetlands, Forest

Focus on Two Critical Elements of Strategy: Targeting Efficacy Monitoring

Importance of Eco Restoration in Mid-Atlantic Region

2010 by 2010 Program - Chesapeake Bay Program: Goal of Preserving or Restoring 2010 Miles of Riparian Buffer by

Year 2010 in CBP Watershed

Conservation Reserve Program (USDA) Provided $200 Million to State of MD for Riparian Buffer

Restoration As a Result of Pfiesteria Outbreak

Coastal Critical Areas Law

Cow-Lined Riparian Buffer

Formerly a Salt Marsh Wetlands

Some Strategic Considerations for Habitat Restoration

Alliance Formation Restoration/Preservation Strategy

Configurations Economic Considerations

Targeting/Characterization Evaluation and Predictive Tools Management Guidance

Design Guidance Performance Assessment Economic Documentation

EcoTargeting Traditional Approach in Mid-Atlantic Establish Targeting Criteria - Watershed

Basis Landscape Attributes and Habitat Models Surface Monitoring Data Groundwater Geology and Hydrology Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Predicting Nesting and Stop-Over Hotspots for Migrating Birds

Result of Habitat Modeling Major Variables of Model

Suitable Forest Habitat Forest Interior Habitat Forest Patch Isolation Riparian Buffer Width

Prepared by DE Bay Estuary Project (US FWS) and MD Dept. of Natural Resources

Birds Included in Model Warblers – several

spp. LA Waterthrust American Redstart Acadian Flycatcher Ovenbird Pileated Woodpecker

Tanager – several spp.

Barred Owl Red-Shouldered

Hawk Brown Creeper Blue-Gray

Gnatcatcher

This area represents approximately 625 acres (250 hectares).

This area represents approximately 7,413 acres (3,000 hectares).

Predicted Nesting and Stop-Over Hotspots for Migrating Neotropical

Songbirds

Maryland Coastal Bays Vicinity: Isle of Wight Bay

Fall Migration Concentration Area, inland boundary

Watershed Boundaries

1-6 species

7-12 species

13-18 species

Protected Open Space

Efficacy Monitoring Traditional Approach in Mid-Atlantic Determine Whether Projects Are Effective in

Their Intended Objectives – Improving Water Quality, Animal Community Structure, etc. Monitoring (Surface) Landscape Attributes (Remote)

Additional Watershed Approaches May Be Needed

An Example – Functions of Wetlands

Store Water - Flood Control Nutrient Reduction Sediment Reduction Habitat for Plants and Animals Detoxify Contaminants Detritus Formation - Animal Food Carbon Storage - Global Climate Change

Some Other HabitatRestoration Methods

Filter Strips Contour Buffers Riparian Buffers Windbreak/Shelter-

belt Buffers Alley Cropping

Grassed Waterway Field Borders Other Practices:

Hedgerows, Stream Bank Stabilization, Etc

Evolution, Not Revolution New Technologies – We Should Be Using

These! EcoTargeting

Are We Getting the Most Bang for the Buck? Efficacy Monitoring

Are We Doing the Right Things in the Right Way?