The primary objectives of this study are to provide decision-makers with useful feedback from previous and ongoing AWC swamp restoration and management, and to bridge existing and future scientific understanding of natural and restored AWC swamps.
Field work includes eight study sites that represent a chronosequence of three age classes.
Ecosystem attributes of natural AWC swamps and other sites must be understood to plan restoration and management and to monitor success. The history of this ecosystem and the dominant tree are relevant for both science and policy. If we know when ditches were dug and trees were harvested, we can gain insight into why AWC regenerated in some places and not in others. The place-based focus of restoration addresses the question of why we should restore and manage for AWC swamps. We are studying maps, old and recent books, museum contents and records, timber industry corporate memos, personal interviews, and various Internet sources.