FWS Saltmarsh Restoration Priorities for the Saltmarsh Sparrow - Atlantic Coast Joint Venture (ACJV)

UPDATED 2024 - This data is intended to provide those interested in salt marsh and Saltmarsh Sparrow conservation with information that will help with conservation implementation. It identifies areas containing salt marsh that are good candidates for restoration, enhancement, and/or conservation to provide persistent high-quality Saltmarsh Sparrow breeding habitat by 2030 in addition to long-term salt marsh resilience. High-quality habitat for the Saltmarsh Sparrow includes high marsh patches with the lowest flooding frequency that provide a window over 23 days between significant flooding events, and are characterized by Spartina patens, Short-form S. alterniflora, Distichlis spicata, and Juncus gerardii, including a well-developed thatch layer of previous years’ vegetation. Marshes are characterized as "Priority, "Reference", and "Honorable Mention". "Priority" marshes have been prioritized for ongoing restoration planning and action to support the Saltmarsh Sparrow. "Honorable mention" marshes were identified by the partner group as important to keep in mind and further assess for future work, but of lower priority than "Priority" marshes. "Reference" marshes are less degraded and can act as reference marshes for restoration efforts in the state. Long-term preservation of these areas and the open space around them to facilitate long-term marsh migration is important, but no immediate restoration action is suggested for them. Restoration Technique Definitions The following terms are used repeatedly throughout this document to identify opportunity for different techniques at identified marshes, including in the “attributes” section. This information is meant to identify opportunity and potential for these restoration techniques at each site but is not meant to be prescriptive. A formal site assessment and design is always necessary to identify specific next steps and restoration strategies within each marsh parcel. Sediment placement - elevation enhancement Intentional placement of material (including beneficial use of dredged sediment) on the marsh platform to raise the marsh platform. Includes both thin-layer placement and thick-layer placement. Repair hydrology - runnelling / channel creation Modification of marsh platform using shallow channel creation to remove or prevent ground water saturation at the marsh surface that is causing marsh vegetation death and/or subsidence. Excavated peat is often reused to enhance microtopography. Repair hydrology - tidal restriction Removal or modification of features altering tidal flow such as road crossings, culverts, bridges, etc. Repair hydrology - ditch plugs Adjustment of ditch plugging on marsh platform to improve hydrology. Repair hydrology - ditches Adjustment of human-made ditches on the marsh platform to improve hydrology. Repair hydrology - berm, embankment, or levee Removal or alteration of berms, stonewalls or embankments to restore hydrology of marsh platform and/or facilitate marsh migration. Land acquisition / protection - marsh migration Protect (in fee or easement) land to allow for eventual marsh migration. Land acquisition / protection - existing marsh Protect (in fee or easement) land with existing marsh. Facilitated marsh migration Active management to promote/accelerate marsh migration through modification of the environment. Non-native invasive plant species management (Phragmites australis, etc.) Removal or management of invasive plants. Living shoreline development Development of nature-based features (e.g., vegetation, oyster reefs) to promote shoreline stabilization. Wildlife herbivory reduction Removal or management of wildlife to reduce/prevent overgrazing including both non-native (e.g., hogs, horses, Sesarma crabs) and native species (e.g., deer, Uca [fiddler] crabs, geese). Stormwater management Address stormwater to reduce/manage excessive inputs of freshwater, nutrients, pollution, and/or sediment. Additional ecological assessment needed Additional monitoring and site assessment to determine specific next steps or assess existing restoration efforts at a site.