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Collins Projects

Estuary Restoration in the Face of Climate Change

Participating States/Provinces:  BC, WA, OR

Length of Project:  Phase I: 2 years (Complete)
                            Phase II: 3 years

Amount of Award:  Phase I $200,000
                            Phase II: $296,450

For more information, please contact , Landscape Ecologist, The Nature Conservancy

General Significance of Project:

Throughout the ecoregion, estuaries support a great many species of fish, shellfish and migratory birds. Years of restoration has largely failed to slow declines in dozens of key species. Furthermore, the effects of global climate change are challenging the long-term sustainability of estuaries. Phase I of this project focused on initiating experimental restoration actions at multiple sites to test more effective methods of restoration. Phase II will assess how climate change is likely to impact two estuaries in Washington and Oregon and will develop conservation actions that enhance long-term resilience and adaptability to change. To help managers at other sites plan for a changing future, we will incorporate what we learn into a toolkit for adapting to climate change.



Goals of Project:

    • Implement experimental restoration projects to advance the practice of estuary stewardship
    • Evaluate how ecosystems and species respond to restoration and broadly share the lessons learned
    • Determine how climate change impacts two Northwest estuaries
    • Test alternative actions for enhancing resilience and adaptability to long-term change
    • Develop a toolkit to help other managers increase the resilience of estuaries to climate change

Achievements to Date:       *  tasks completed with assistance of matching or other associated funds

    • Established an Estuarine Science Advisory Panel with eight external experts from Canada, Washington, Oregon and California; convened two meetings
    • Developed habitat mapping and characterization protocols; implemented at Port Susan Bay, Cowichan River and Campbell River; analyzed and reported data
    • Obtained LiDAR and baseline hydrodynamic data; developed 3-D hydrodynamic model; developed vegetation model from baseline habitat data*
    • Completed two years of monitoring large wood dynamics; analyzed and reported results*
    • Designed and implemented an experimental spartina control project to test five treatments*
    • Assessed ecological outcomes for two alternative dike restoration designs using 3-D model and vegetation model; generated preliminary designs and cost estimates for one design*
    • Designed experimental large wood restoration project to be implemented in September 2007*
    • Exported knowledge through 11 talks and 6 posters presented at 9 conferences and meetings*
    • Researched potential impacts of climate change on estuaries; developed conceptual approach to assess and enhance long-term ecosystem adaptability to change