germination of emergent species. Also, a drawdown would provide better conditions for 

 widgeongrass production by providing a firm bottom and reducing turbidity. 



The drawdown in 1986 was accompanied by drought conditions. Soil analysis indicated high 

 soil salinities. The very dry conditions plus high soil salinities probably contributed to the lack of 

 vegetative reproduction in 1986. Optimal soil conditions for widgeongrass production was achieved 

 in areas where the bottom was exposed. 



Several large rainfall events resulted in the area being alternately inundated and drawn down 

 four times during the 1987 drawdown period. By October 1987, there was a 100% increase in 

 the number of plant species observed. Widgeongrass production was observed in the south half 

 of the area where the bottom was not exposed. Reduced turbidity within the management unit 

 probably contributed to widgeongrass establishment. 



Soil samples taken at the beginning of the 1988 drawdown revealed a significant reduction in 

 soil salinity at all sample locations. Two additional plant species were observed in May 1988. 



There was an increase in wildlife use observed on this management unit in the fall of 1987 and 

 spring of 1988. Waterfowl use increased significantly in the fall of 1987. Otters and alligators were 

 observed to inhabit the area in 1988. 



The marsh conservation plan instituted on this management unit has resulted in increasing 

 emergent vegetation on the north half of the area and widgeongrass production in the south half. 



REFERENCES 



Adams, R.D., P.J. Banas, R.H. Baumann, J.H. Blackmon, and W.G. Mclntire. 1978. Shoreline 

 erosion in coastal Louisiana: inventory and assessment. Louisiana Department of Transportation 

 and Development, Baton Rouge. 



Chabreck, R.H., and G. Linscombe. 1978. Vegetative type map of the Louisiana coastal marshes. 

 Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission, Baton Rouge. 



deMond, J.D., D.R. Clark, and B.E. Spicer. 1986. A review of wetland restoration, enhancement 

 and creation practices in the Louisiana coastal zone. In Proceedings of the thirteenth annual 

 wetlands restoration and recreation conference. May 1986. Hillsborough College, Tampa, FL. 



O'Neil, T. 1949. The muskrat in the Louisiana coastal marshes. Louisiana Department of Wildlife 

 and Fisheries, New Orleans. 



Turner, R.E., and D.R. Cahoon, eds. 1987. Causes of wetland loss in coastal central Gulf of 

 Mexico. Minerals Management Service, New Orleans, LA OCS Study/MMS 87-0119. 3 vols. 

 Soil Conservation Service. 1977. Gulf coast wetlands handbook. USDA Publ. 126 pp. 



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