Stream Restoration and Invasive Management at Merrimac Farm WMA
In facing today's environmental challenges, our strategy is two-fold 1.) Protect what we have and 2.) Enhance what we've protected.
We protected Merrimac Farm WMA back in 2008 through a unique partnership with the Department of Wildlife Resources and Marine Corps Base Quantico. Now, to enhance what we've protected, we've secured funding for projects aimed at enhancing habitat quality through non-native invasive species management and stream restoration.
Nonnative invasive species like Autumn Olive and Japanese Honey Suckle are becoming more prevalent and negatively impact ecosystems by competing with native species for critical resources like light and nutrients. Through this management plan, we will be fostering diverse and healthy habitats for wildlife. We're working with Wetland Studies and Solutions Inc., to start this February.
The stream restoration project aims to restore the hydrology of an unnamed tributary of Cedar Run. The tributary extends from the Spring House as you enter the Bluebell Trail near the Stonehouse.
Stream restoration comes at a cost and is typically estimated at $1,000 per linear foot, underscoring why we prioritize conservation when we can. An ounce of prevention is indeed worth a pound of cure (maybe more like a ton!).
While conservation remains our most efficient tool, restoration is a critical part of our environmental toolbox. Here, we will be restoring 150 ft of stream and about 3 acres of wetland and adjacent natural area. While 2 trees will need to be removed, the end result will be the restoration of upland wetlands and protecting stream channel from becoming incised.
