Leonard Springs Wet Meadow Restoration Project

Leonard Springs Wet Meadow Restoration Project

The purpose of the Project is to restore hydrologic function to a meadow on the subject property where, historically, major modifications to the landscape occurred. Modifications include the excavation of stream channels and pools to develop existing springs for recreational usage. These modifications have lowered the water table and resulted in a loss of wet meadow habitat. Project activities include the installation of rock weirs, contour potholes and swales, removal of a berm, and replacement and removal of water control structures within the spring-fed channels. These activities seek to restore the wet meadow hydrology within the Project area by slowing water flow, raising the phreatic surface out of the incised channel, and spreading flowing water out over a greater surface area to better support wet meadow vegetation. The Project will also place an earthen block in a manmade spring channel that is facilitating subsurface drainage of the wet meadow. In addition, an existing road will be relocated outside of a seasonally wet area to reconnect and restore hydrologic function to the meadow. Improved hydrologic function is expected to increase the extent and diversity of native wetland vegetation; enhance nesting, resting and foraging habitat for migratory birds, including waterfowl, waterbirds, shorebirds, and upland birds; and benefit aquifer recharge. Temporary impacts to wetlands will include channel diversion and access roads.

Cedarville

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Countywide

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