705
© Springer International Publishing AG 2017
C.W. Finkl, C. Makowski (eds.), Coastal Wetlands: Alteration and Remediation,
Coastal Research Library 21, DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-56179-0_21
Chapter 21
Returning the Tide to Dikelands
in a Macrotidal and Ice-Influenced
Environment: Challenges and Lessons
Learned
Laura K. Boone, Jeff Ollerhead, Myriam A. Barbeau, Allen D. Beck,
Brian G. Sanderson, and Nic R. McLellan
Abstract The objectives of this chapter are to (1) document lessons learned from
the design, implementation and monitoring of a salt marsh restoration in the upper
Bay of Fundy, Canada, and (2) consider how the lessons can be applied to future
restoration projects. The Fort Beauséjour salt marsh restoration sites are exposed to
very large tides (up to 14 m), waves, and snow and ice in winter. This project
involved a managed re-alignment, with two restoration cells and two reference sites.
Before breaching, design criteria were established (e.g., the restoration cells must
fully flood at high tide and drain slowly) and a hydrodynamic model was used to test
breaching options. Pre-restoration monitoring was completed in 2009–2010, the old
dike was breached in October 2010, and post-breach monitoring commenced thereafter. Measurements of water level, velocities, and discharge at one breach, compared very well to model predictions. Likewise, patterns of sediment deposition
were as predicted, and sedimentation rates were as expected based on empirical
studies done in the area. The bioengineering species saltwater cordgrass (Spartina
alterniflora) took 2 years to colonize the cells; it initially spread vegetatively and
then by seeds. Plant cover became extensive in year 5 post-breach. Invertebrate and
salt pool biological communities are lagging behind. Lessons learned include: (1)
plan for future conditions and provide adequate accommodation space for development of a new marsh; (2) multi-level partnerships are critical to the success of such
L.K. Boone • M.A. Barbeau (*) • A.D. Beck
Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
e-mail: mbarbeau@unb.ca
J. Ollerhead
Department of Geography and Environment, Mount Allison University,
Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada
B.G. Sanderson
Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada
N.R. McLellan
Ducks Unlimited Canada, Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada
© Springer International Publishing AG 2017
C.W. Finkl, C. Makowski (eds.), Coastal Wetlands: Alteration and Remediation,
Coastal Research Library 21, DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-56179-0_21
Chapter 21
Returning the Tide to Dikelands
in a Macrotidal and Ice-Influenced
Environment: Challenges and Lessons
Learned
Laura K. Boone, Jeff Ollerhead, Myriam A. Barbeau, Allen D. Beck,
Brian G. Sanderson, and Nic R. McLellan
Abstract The objectives of this chapter are to (1) document lessons learned from
the design, implementation and monitoring of a salt marsh restoration in the upper
Bay of Fundy, Canada, and (2) consider how the lessons can be applied to future
restoration projects. The Fort Beauséjour salt marsh restoration sites are exposed to
very large tides (up to 14 m), waves, and snow and ice in winter. This project
involved a managed re-alignment, with two restoration cells and two reference sites.
Before breaching, design criteria were established (e.g., the restoration cells must
fully flood at high tide and drain slowly) and a hydrodynamic model was used to test
breaching options. Pre-restoration monitoring was completed in 2009–2010, the old
dike was breached in October 2010, and post-breach monitoring commenced thereafter. Measurements of water level, velocities, and discharge at one breach, compared very well to model predictions. Likewise, patterns of sediment deposition
were as predicted, and sedimentation rates were as expected based on empirical
studies done in the area. The bioengineering species saltwater cordgrass (Spartina
alterniflora) took 2 years to colonize the cells; it initially spread vegetatively and
then by seeds. Plant cover became extensive in year 5 post-breach. Invertebrate and
salt pool biological communities are lagging behind. Lessons learned include: (1)
plan for future conditions and provide adequate accommodation space for development of a new marsh; (2) multi-level partnerships are critical to the success of such
L.K. Boone • M.A. Barbeau (*) • A.D. Beck
Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada
e-mail: mbarbeau@unb.ca
J. Ollerhead
Department of Geography and Environment, Mount Allison University,
Sackville, New Brunswick, Canada
B.G. Sanderson
Acadia Centre for Estuarine Research, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, Canada
N.R. McLellan
Ducks Unlimited Canada, Amherst, Nova Scotia, Canada