Raymond L. Hinkle, URS Corp.

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An Analysis of the Variability in Tidal Marsh
Vegetative cover and Production at Reference
Marshes on Delaware Bay 1996 2005
Raymond L. Hinkle, URS Corp. Kenneth A. Strait,
PSEG Services Corp. Brenda Q. Evans, PSEG
Services Corp.
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PSEG Estuary Enhancement ProgramWetland
Restoration

• Diked Salt Hay Farm Sites (NJ)
• Dennis Township
• Maurice River Township
• Commercial Township
• Phragmites Dominated Sites (NJ DE)
• Alloway Creek Watershed
• Cohansey River Watershed
• Cedar Swamp
• The Rocks

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Reference Marshes

• Moores Beach West
• Reference for Previously Diked Sites
• Mesohaline Marsh
• Naturally Restored (1972)
• 1,257 Acres
• Mad Horse Creek
• Reference for Phragmites Dominated Sites
• Oligohaline Marsh
• No Prior Disturbances
• Mature Marsh Community
• 3,942 Acres

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Vegetation Cover Mapping 1996 - 2005

• Based on Annual CIR/True Color Photography
• Acquired in Peak Season
• Georeferenced Orthophotos
• Vegetation Cover Categories
• Spartina spp. / Other Desirable Marsh Vegetation
• Phragmites australis Dominated Vegetation
• Non-vegetated Marsh Plain
• Internal Water Areas
• Open Water
• Each Category Comprised of Numerous Cover Types

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Mad Horse Creek 2005 Orthophotograph
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Mad Horse Creek 2005 Orthophotograph
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Mad Horse Creek 2005 Orthophotograph
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Marsh Production sampling 1996 - 2005

• Based on Field Data Collection from Plots and
  Transects
• Acquired in Peak Season
• Individual Species Determinations
• Samples Processed to Yield grams dry weight/
  square meter

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Conclusions

• PSEG Estuary Enhancement Program has provided
  10-year Reference Marsh Database
• Variability in both Coverage Primarily Related to
  Phragmites Expansion
• Success of Restoration Sites can be Evaluated on
  the Basis of these Data