ASTI PROJECT WINS AWARD FOR LAKE ST. CLAIR COASTAL WETLAND RESTORATION
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ASTI PROJECT WINS AWARD FOR LAKE ST.
CLAIR COASTAL WETLAND RESTORATION
(From left to right) Dianne Martin, ASTI Environmental’s Director of Resource Assessment & Management; Gerry Santoro, Macomb County’s Program Manager for Land & Water Resources holding the 2013 President’s Plaque; and Cheri King from KMB.
The President’s Plaque is the highest honor bestowed annually by Keep Michigan Beautiful to a government, community, school, business or organization in recognition of their contribution to environmental improvement, clean up, beautification, site restoration or historical preservation. Macomb County, Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, Clinton River Watershed Council, and Wayne State University applied for and received a Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Grant to restore nearly 500 acres of coastal Great Lakes Marsh along Lake St. Clair at Lake St. Clair (Metro Beach) Metropark
in Harrison Township, MI. This imperiled ecosystem has been severely degraded over time by hydrological manipulation, sediment accumulation, and invasive species infestation, which have lead to monocultures of invasive Phragmites and narrow-leaved cattail and decreased sightings of rare flora and fauna.
ASTI Environmental was retained to manage the restoration project, act as fiduciary for the grant, and lead the consulting design team (Applied Science and Hamilton Anderson Associates) on restoration planning, site master planning, permitting, and construction.
An aerial view showing the newly constructed 800-foot boardwalk across restored coastal wetland.
Young nature enthusiasts enjoying the view of the restored coastal wetland and its wildlife.
The design team focused on hydrological improvements, habitat restoration, and public education and outreach, mostly within the Point Rosa marsh complex south of Metropolitan Parkway.
The restoration plan included the following:
- Installation of three water control structures to regulated water levels within the marsh
- Creation of loafing structures, snake hibernacula, nesting areas, and basking areas for herpetofauna
- Construction of a boardwalk to augment the existing trail system
- Creation of a viewing area with educational displays, highlighting the Lake St. Clair/coastal wetland interface
- Removal of invasive species
- Creation of open water habitat for waterfowl
- Removal of the build-up of algal mats along the natural wetland beachfront
- Construction of tern nesting platforms
Construction began in the fall of 2012 and was completed by the fall of 2013. The diversity and abundance of flora and fauna found on site will be monitored and documented in order to evaluate the
success of the restoration.
The coastal wetland at Lake St. Clair Metropark includes one of the last examples of natural shoreline on the American side of Lake St. Clair.
The project took place at Lake St. Clair Metropark (formerly known as Metro Beach) in Harrison Township.
ASTI ALSO PROVIDES THE
FOLLOWING SERVICES:
For more information of this project or any wetlands concern contact Dianne Martin at 800/395-ASTI or dmartin@asti-env.com.
Portfolio is a publication of ASTI Environmental, P.O. Box 2160, Brighton, Michigan, 48116-2160. For a free subscription call 800.395.ASTI
Portfolio is intended to provide information concerning current environmental issues, and is not intended to provide technical or legal advice regarding any particular situation. Specific questions should be addressed to your environmental professional. ©2013 by ASTI
