Janice L. Swent
Many restoration projects are currently being undertaken without establishing quantifiable success criteria to use in monitoring progress of the restoration. A model was designed according to Army Corps of Engineers' guidelines for monitoring restoration of a salt marsh in the southern end of San Francisco Bay, California. Stevens Creek Tidal Marsh is a 30 acre marsh that was cut off from tidal exchange with San Francisco Bay in the 1950s. Initial restoration attempts in the mid 1980s included re-establishing tidal exchange to increase sedimentation and elevations of the marsh plain. However, restoration of the site was slow. In 1992, additional culverts were installed to accelerate the restoration process. A five year monitoring plan, to commence immediately following construction, was established as part of the design phase for the culvert installation. The plan included specific goals to be achieved at certain points in the restoration process. Parameters tied to the restoration goals were established. These parameters were used to determine progress of the restoration. Results of monitoring to date show that target sedimentation rates of 0.3 feet to 0.5 feet per year were met in the first and second years of monitoring. For this restoration, tidal exchange and sedimentation rates are the most significant of the five parameters to be monitored. Annual goals, five year goals and final project goals were established for each parameter. Methods of monitoring each parameter were established. This paper discusses each of these parameters, results of monitoring, and what we learned about monitoring as the site progressed toward final success criteria. Monitoring methods should be consistent but flexible. Revisions may be needed as the restoration progresses.
