Table 4. Survival and tillering success of January bunch-planted 

 oystergrass, East Cove marsh unit, Sabine NWR, May 1988. 



Distance 



planted Number Actual Percent Sprigs per 

 Site (m) planted survival survival bunch (x) 



The establishment of the threesquare grasses will increase root species diversity and litter reduction 

 may promote sheet flow and the removal of surface soil salts. Water salinities less than 8.0 ppt 

 and 1.3 cm standing water are optimum for the burn. If standing water is not present, the burn 

 will still occur unless there is a drought. The area will not be burned if water salinities are greater 

 than or equal to 8.0 ppt. 



Weirs will be managed for draw-down, abnormal weather conditions, and organism ingress from 

 15 February to 15 July 1989. Abnormal weather conditions to be dealt with are drought and 

 abnormally high precipitation rates. During periods of drought, waters will be allowed to flow into 

 the system to prevent vegetative salt burns. In case of abnormal rainfall, weirs will be opened to 

 release excess water. The boat bay will be opened for five days sometime in March or April to 

 allow ingress of brown shrimp and for a second five days in June to allow ingress of white shrimp. 

 Actual dates will be determined by using historical data on post-larva movement collected on 

 Sabine Refuge (March-April: brown shrimp and June: white shrimp), lunar tide data (new and 

 full moon tides), water temperatures (< 21 °C, no post-larva movement, 26 °C = optimum post- 

 larva movement), salinity (8-16 ppt), and Louisiana Department Wildlife and Fisheries monitoring 

 of post-larva shrimp ingress in Calcasieu Lake. 



From 16 July 1989 to January 1990, weir openings will be managed as previously stated in the 

 weir management section. However, the boat bay will be closed to facilitate closed sportfishing 

 season during open duck season and to retain fresh water from winter rains. Generally, the 

 controlling factor on water flow will be determined by the 5-ppt isohaline line. Once salinites reach 

 5 ppt at the 5-ppt isohaline line, the variable crest structures will be closed one at a time then the 

 boat bay will be closed last. Order of closure will be determined by water salinities flowing into 

 each weir and the corresponding 5-ppt isohaline line in that respective area. 



From 10 January 1990 to 10 January 1991, weir structures will be managed as previously stated 

 in the weir management section. Vegetation stands that were not burned the previous year will 

 be burned. To facilitate estuarine organism ingress, one more flap gate at Grand Bayou will be 

 raised during peak post-larva movement (whenever these periods occur for brown and white 

 shrimp). Adaptations to natural parameters and needs pertaining to vegetation will be addressed 

 in subsequent years. A yearly report will be compiled and presented to the Cameron/Creole 

 Watershed advisory board, and the advisory board will make recommendations for future 

 management. 



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