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Pond 53 on Eglin Air Force Base during restoration. WEST team members are cutting and removing woody shrubs. Photo by Nicole Barys.
By Jessica Sandoval and Charlie Abeles, The Longleaf Alliance
Wetland Restoration:
A Tool for Creating Diverse, Resilient Lands
T
he past year presented us with numerous challenges and obstacles, including a record-breaking Atlantic hurricane season with 30 named storms and five major hurricanes. As we experience more unpredictable and severe weather, it becomes increasingly important to consider our forests’ resiliency. As a native coastal species, properly managed longleaf pine often has a higher tolerance to. often has a higher tolerance to severe weather (such as wind and droughts) than other southern pines. Furthermore, there are many significant natural communities embedded within the longleaf ecosystem that improve the resiliency of our communities and their ability to withstand and recover quickly from these threats. Wetlands, in particular, provide essential ecosystem services in the face of climate change and ecological challenges.
Why Wetlands? Wetlands act as a storm surge buffer and sink for flood storage. When large rain events occur, like hurricanes making landfall, wetlands take the brunt of the impact and offer protection to inland resources. Nutrient and pollution inputs from agricultural or urban runoff are filtered or stored by the wetlands, playing an important role in water quality maintenance. On top of these functions, wetlands have a high intrinsic value; if managed properly, they will provide high-quality habitat to numerous wildlife species, including many rare plants and animals. These ecosystems also provide opportunities for recreation that many people utilize and want to see protected. All of this to say, there are many important benefits from continuing to protect, maintain, and restore our wetlands. [ 10 ]
