Habitat Development Field Investigations, Miller Sands Marsh and Upland Habitat Development Site, Columbia River, Oregon. Appendix D. Propagation of Vascular Plants on Dredged Material.
Abstract
Miller Sands, an island complex in the lower Columbia River, is largely derived from dredged material. Three distinct habitat types are recognized: a large vegetated upland island formed prior to 1940; an elongate barren sand spit formed primarily since 1970; and a cove protected by the island and the spit. In July of 1975, a pilot study was conducted under contract with the Waterways Experiment Station (WES), in which a total of ten plots were planted with transplants of five species of vascular plants endemic to the area. The primary purpose of this pilot study was to identify the best plant materials for use in larger scale experiments in 1976. Five experimental sites were selected in 1976 by WES to study the propagation of selected plant species: upland plantings consisting of monotypic plots and meadows, sand spit plantings, and intertidal plantings consisting of monotypic plots and a species mixture. The upland experimental sites were located on the older, vegetated island. The upland plantings consisted of various experimental treatments with a total of nine seeded grass and legume species. As a result of efforts at the Miller Sands site, much information has been generated regarding the feasibility of planting various intertidal and upland species. Such information should be useful in future endeavors to establish marsh habitat, and should be valuable in reducing costs of similar propagation efforts.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA074876
Entities
People
- Wilbur E. Ternyik