The species must be compatible with human use of the site or the surrounding 

 area. For example, if the site is to be used as a park the animals must be 

 tolerant of human disturbance. 



Two general types of disposal areas are potentially available for ter- 

 restrial habitat development (Ocean Data Systems, Inc. 1978). These are an 

 established dredged material disposal site where disposal has been completed 

 or is still periodically occurring and a site proposed for deposition of 

 dredged material. The former may be years old or relatively new, vegetated or 

 unvegetated. The latter, before disposal, may be terrestrial or even an 

 open-water site which will become a terrestrial site when dredged material is 

 deposited. 



Development of disposal sites will depend greatly on the local demand for 

 such an area. Development techniques are relatively simple; standard agronomic 

 and wildlife management techniques can be adapted to most terrestrial disposal 

 areas. The initial expense is relatively small, particularly when compared to 

 marsh development. However, retention of a particular terrestrial habitat will 

 often require a long-term management commitment with small annual costs. Ini- 

 tial development and maintenance activities may include liming, fertilization, 

 seeding, and mowing. 



Smith (1978) identified the two primary disadvantages of terrestrial 

 habitat development as being the preclusion of future disposal and possible 

 necessity of continuing management. If a late succession stage (e.g., forest) 

 is the objective, then future use of the site for additional disposal would 

 not be compatible. However, if early succession stages are desired, periodic 

 disposal would keep setting succession back to earlier stages. Management may 

 require manpower and funds that are not readily available. Another potential 

 constraint is that the value of habitat lost may exceed the value of the habi- 

 tat to be established. Open-water or wetland habitat will often have a greater 

 value to wildlife than terrestrial habitat that could be developed at the 

 site. 



A potential constraint to use of dredged material for upland habitat de- 

 velopment is the presence of contaminants that are harmful to wildlife. Con- 

 tamination could occur from effluent runoff, by vertebrates eating plants that 

 have taken up contaminants, or by vertebrates feeding on soil invertebrates. 



The greatest potential for upland contamination is situations in which, 

 through the process of gradual drainage and oxidation, soils become acidic and 

 heavy metals become mobile. Under acidic conditions, heavy-metal runoff and 

 plant uptake are more likely to occur. In neutral or alkaline conditions, 

 lightly to moderately contaminated dredged material can become effectively 

 immobilized. For a thorough discussion of the contaminant potential of a 

 variety of contaminated materials see Gambrell et al . (1978). 



Hunt et al. (1978a) outlined in a step-by-step process the necessary engi- 

 neering and plant propagation procedures for site selection and development. 

 To identify objectives one must consider: the most appropriate management 

 system; local and regional needs and opportunities; desired species needs; 

 current and planned use of the site; available funding; and site- or project- 

 specific constraints. Additional considerations include relation of the site 

 to other habitats with which it may interact and potential sources of plant 

 and animal colonizers. 



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