Assessing the success of wetland restoration projects requires an evaluation of ecosystem structure and function. Long-term success is rarely documented, and failure is common for a variety of reasons. Our overall goal is to continue to evaluate the ecological success of the Tulula Wetlands Mitigation Bank in response to restored hydrology, soils, and vegetation. Our data will provide NCDOT an ecological assessment that will be useful for evaluating other wetland restoration projects throughout the state.
The following objectives provide the framework for a comprehensive ecological assessment of the restored wetlands of Tulula: determine the success of stream realignment by evaluating the geomorphology of the new channel before and after water is introduced, evaluate changes in ecosystem structure and function (including soil and decomposition processes) associated with plant community succession in planted and unplanted portions of the floodplain in response to a higher water table and overbank flooding, and evaluate wildlife use of the site in response to changing hydrologic conditions (amphibians) and plant community succession (birds).
Significant progress was made on restoring the wetlands at Tulula in 2001. Water is now flowing in four of five constructed meandering stream sections, and the dredged Tulula Creek has been filled in those sections. The golf ponds built for the abandoned golf course were partially refilled using spoil generated during their construction, and the floodplain was recontoured in the constructed channel/golf pond areas to enhance heterogeneity in topography (thereby increasing the heterogeneity of wetlands). Site restoration will be finished in 2002 when the fifth and final constructed stream section is connected and the disturbed areas of the floodplain are planted with hardwood trees.
This project will contribute to the long-term analysis of site ecology, and provide information that will guide NCDOT and other government agencies involved with wetland mitigation projects throughout North Carolina.
