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The salt
marsh restoration project is a pilot project for Nova Scotia. The
project involves the replacement of the existing culvert with a
crossing that will be sized and placed to allow tidal inundation
of the Creek to the high tide elevation over a 15-hectare area.
The installation of the larger crossing will allow for the expansion
of salt marsh vegetation over the entire marsh surface, prevent
the encroachment by non-salt marsh vegetation and result in more
frequent exchange of water, organisms and nutrients in the creeks
and pannes. The increased tidal flow will also act to halt the growth
of the rocky barrier downstream that has been forming as a result
of the reduced tidal flow.
Given that this project is the first
in Nova Scotia, it has required extensive coordination, communication
and education to foster the interest and support for the project.
An equally important element of the project is to build the relationships,
skills and processes that will allow this and future restoration
projects to take place. The methods and lessons from this project
will be documented, evaluated, shared and, hopefully, replicated
throughout the region.
For more information on this project, please contact Jennifer
Graham, Coastal Coordinator, Ecology Action Centre, Halifax,
Nova Scotia.
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