Knowledge gained from the above studies will enable future restoration efforts to be more efficiently and effectively performed and evaluated. Once the results of past, ongoing and planned research are integrated, we will have a holistic ecosystem view of the biotic and abiotic parameters that have the most promise as wetland function indicators. Unimpacted bays vary both hydrologically and in their vegetation community assemblages. The practical value of land management alternatives for restoration, in terms of meeting specific species, population or community objectives, are largely unknown. Considering the ecological significance of Carolina bays, few studies have been conducted on restored bay systems.
Research is needed to enhance our ability to predict outcomes of restorations in Carolina bays.
Through the cooperation of the SRI and others at the SRS, the Center is initiating a new project addressing Carolina bay restoration. Similar to the Bottomland Hardwood Restoration Project, the Carolina Bay Restoration Project will focus on ecosystem level processes that are occurring as succession proceeds. This will enable us to develop similar techniques to assess Carolina bay Restoration. In addition, we hope to assess functional differences among land management alternatives, with specific predictions of how different alternatives may provide suitable habitat for key animal and plant species or communities. The results of studies addressing the questions above, will refine the capability to predict the outcome of restoration efforts with respect to key flora and fauna in these unique environments.