Evaluation of wetland creation and waterfowl use in conjunction with Abandoned Mine Lands in northeast Wyoming

Abstract

During 1991 and 1992, we studied 92 wetlands, including open water (ponds) and emergent communities, created as a result of Wyoming Abandoned Mine Lands' (AML) reclamation efforts in northeast Wyoming. Through these activities, over 300 wetlands were filled, reclaimed, created, or otherwise modified. For mitigation purposes, wetlands to be filled or modified were first evaluated using a Wetland Habitat Value (WHV) Model. Using the model, wetland losses were mitigated by increasing the WHV of some wetlands or by creating new wetlands elsewhere. We evaluated model performance in offsetting wetland loss and how well the model predicted waterfowl use. We also compared posI-reclamation wetland sizes to those predicted by engineering plans and submitted for Section 404 permit approval. In our study, predicted WHVs were overestimated at 100% of the wetlands for which pro-reclamation WHVs were available (n = 8). The most commonly overestimated variables were size, fraction of emergent cover, adjacent upland cover, and the number of bays and peninsulas. We obtained pro-construction size estimates for 64 of the original 80 wetlands. Fifty-five of 64 wetlands were smaller than pre-reclamation engineering goals. The WHV Model accurately predicted use of wetlands by migrating and breeding Canada geese (Branta canadensis), migrating dabbling ducks, and migrating diving ducks. Future users of the model must be careful not to overestimate resultsof planned mitigation efforts. Predicted size of constructed wetlands may be commonly overestimated; this possibility should be considered in mitigation plans, especially those involving wetland destruction.

Wetlands: Most relevant structural and functional aspects

“…Each case will have to be studied independently. In spite of that, and because results in the future will depend on past success and failure, it is recommended (McKinstry & Anderson, 1994) that accurate records be kept of wetlands creation and restoration projects.…”

A Comprehensive Review of Machine Learning for Water Quality Prediction over the Past Five Years

“…Discrepancies between sewage treatment standards and marine water quality standards, particularly concerning specific key pollution values in certain countries, have led to the degradation of seawater quality due to the discharge of untreated sewage [9]. Furthermore, the growing industrial sector and population necessitate additional land for infrastructure development [10][11][12], making coastal reclamation [13][14][15] a prominent topic. This activity, in turn, has instigated alterations in marine hydrodynamic factors in coastal regions [16,17].…”

Salvaged-Wetland Soil as a Technique to Improve Aquatic Vegetation at Created Wetlands in Wyoming, USA

“…Aquatic plants have not established in many of these wetlands and creation and restoration activities have never included plant propagation techniques. Furthermore, plant growth at these sites is further hampered by poor substrates (clay with high sodium concentrations) and water quality conditions (extreme turbidity) that limit the species pool to those plants that can tolerate high salinity, alkalinity, turbidity, and unconsolidated bottoms (McKinstry and Anderson 1994;McKinstry et al 2001;McKinstry and Anderson 2004 Larson (1993).…”