Monitoring and Evaluation - Project Planning and Management for Ecological Restoration - page 210

Water quality monitoring was conducted during the preconstruction activities
(1995-1996), and turbidity monitoring was conducted during the phase 1 and phase
2 perimeter dike construction at Poplar Island (1998-2001). Turbidity standards were
in effect during construction, and continual monitoring assured compliance. Typical
parameters monitored include turbidity, salinity, conductivity, temperature, dissolved
oxygen, total suspended solids, and nutrients (nitrogen and phosphorous). In addi-
tion, the monitoring includes analysis of chlorinated pesticides, polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).
As new habitats are created, the plants and animals within the habitats are mon-
itored to evaluate habitat function. Habitats are directly related to their location in
reference to the water level. Within the low marsh, islands are formed to add diversity
in the edge configuration of the marsh and the berm that surrounds Poplar Island.
Outside of the berm is a rocky shoreline and shallow water. The tidal changes provide
a variety of water depths, mudflats, and shorelines for numerous forms of animals. Par-
ticularly important is the habitat that enables submerged aquatic vegetation to persist.
This is considered a critical Chesapeake Bay habitat. Submerged aquatic vegetation
has a significant ecological role in the bay by providing food and habitat for waterfowl,
fish, shellfish, and invertebrates. Also, submerged aquatic vegetation provides nursery
habitat, produces oxygen in the water column, filters and traps sediment, and protects
shorelines from erosion by slowing down wave action.
Mammals, reptiles, and amphibians were surveyed in 2002. The mammals includ-
ed beaver, white-tailed deer, river otter, raccoon, and house mouse; these species were
not introduced by the project but came from nearby islands. The brown water snake,
diamondback terrapin, and American toad were also recorded. The presence of terra-
pin is especially important because their habitat on the mainland shoreline has been
significantly impacted by development. One hundred terrapin nests were found on
Poplar Island. This surprising and very welcome discovery required the addition of
an aluminum fence to prevent terrapins from entering cells still under construction.
Control of invasive and nonnative species to the island will be needed for the proj-
ect to succeed. Most notably already requiring control are the common reed ( Phrag-
mites australis ) and the mute swan ( Cygnus olor ).
Wildlife management activities that have been initiated include habitat enhance-
ments, such as shrub plantings and the placement of Christmas trees and snags. An
overall wildlife management plan has been developed to guide the activities into the
future. Nesting structures have been installed to encourage nesting of osprey and tree
swallows as well as other species requiring larger platforms or cavities. The control
and surveillance of predator and nuisance species, as well as a program of monitoring
of wildlife and wetland development, have been initiated.