Guidelines for Gravel-Pit Wetland Creation

Abstract

Abstract.The frequent colonization of the margins of abandoned and unreclaimed wet sand and gravel pits by typical marsh vegetation indicates the feasibility of a created wetlands component in gravel/sand reclamation planning. Using the natural pit wetlands as models and examining the peninent literature, guidelines were developed for: (1) selecting promising sites, (2) planning with a regional perspective, and (3) construction and monitoring. Key concepts are: hydrological stability and adjacent land uses that will not have an adverse impact; consideration given to how a pit wetland will interact with adjacent ecosystems on a regional level; grading of pit perimeters to produce irregular contours and no more than a 0.6 m change of elevation within the proposed wetland; a combination of limited deliberate planting along with natural colonization whenever the reclamation permit can be adjusted to allow the 3 to 4 years commonly necessary for such colonization; the establishment of self-perpetuating marsh vegetation confirmed over a 3-year period of observation as a minimum requirement for determining permit compliance. Longer term monitoring of pits reclaimed under these guidelines could provide information that would increase and refine post-mining land-use options for wet sites. Research projects could focus on learning more about development of wetland functions within created systems, eventually providing standards for evaluation on a functional level.