Wetland Characteristics of the Upper Elwha River
Research Mentor(s)
McLaughlin, John
Description
Wetlands are dynamic ecosystems that provide essential habitat for a multitude of plant and amphibian species. Wetlands associated with dynamic river systems are destroyed by dams and the reservoirs they impound. Restoration following removal of two large dams on the Elwha River provides an opportunity to study successional stages of wetlands from severe disturbance. Although restoration in the Elwha ecosystem involved the largest and most comprehensively studied dam removals ever conducted, wetland responses are poorly understood. We focused on characteristics of wetlands in the former Mills reservoir and relatively undisturbed wetlands in Geyser Valley, the nearest upriver reach containing wetlands. In each study area, we mapped wetlands, classified them according to Washington Department of Ecology criteria, and measured plant species composition and stature. We compared wetland characteristics in the two study areas using two-sample t-tests. Our results suggest that wetlands in the former Mills reservoir are in an early stage of development and Geyser Valley wetlands provide a good baseline to for wetland restoration in the Elwha ecosystem.
Document Type
Event
Start Date
16-5-2018 9:00 AM
End Date
16-5-2018 12:00 PM
Department
Environmental Sciences
Genre/Form
student projects, posters
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Wetlands--Monitoring--Washington (State); Restoration ecology--Washington (State)--Elwha River; Dam retirement-- Environmental aspects--Washington (State)--Elwha River
Geographic Coverage
Elwha River (Wash.)
Type
Image
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Wetland Characteristics of the Upper Elwha River
Wetlands are dynamic ecosystems that provide essential habitat for a multitude of plant and amphibian species. Wetlands associated with dynamic river systems are destroyed by dams and the reservoirs they impound. Restoration following removal of two large dams on the Elwha River provides an opportunity to study successional stages of wetlands from severe disturbance. Although restoration in the Elwha ecosystem involved the largest and most comprehensively studied dam removals ever conducted, wetland responses are poorly understood. We focused on characteristics of wetlands in the former Mills reservoir and relatively undisturbed wetlands in Geyser Valley, the nearest upriver reach containing wetlands. In each study area, we mapped wetlands, classified them according to Washington Department of Ecology criteria, and measured plant species composition and stature. We compared wetland characteristics in the two study areas using two-sample t-tests. Our results suggest that wetlands in the former Mills reservoir are in an early stage of development and Geyser Valley wetlands provide a good baseline to for wetland restoration in the Elwha ecosystem.