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Vegetation Management in Restored Floodplain/Wetland Complexes

Nick Myers
LandStudies, Inc
Lititz, PA

A major component of restoration projects is the use of vegetation to provide ecological diversity, nutrient uptake, aesthetic appeal, resiliency, and other considerations. What has been historically neglected are the maintenance needs of these projects, especially as they differ from other forms of Green Infrastructure. Management of these vegetation systems can present a challenge for landowners and contractors as it can require specialized knowledge in maintenance techniques appropriate for these kinds of landscapes, along with experience in plant identification. Invasive species are a particular concern in the ecological health of these sites. Adaptive management is a necessity as these projects mature and the diversity and balance of the plant community changes. Having staff that can manage these communities also presents an opportunity to monitor the sites and collect longer-term data.