In June 2000, 18.6 acres of newly deposited dredge materials on East Timbalier Island, a coastal barrier island, were planted with smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora) and saltmeadow cordgrass (Spartina patens).

Project Description

Marsh vegetation (both smooth and saltmeadow cordgrass) was planted on newly deposited dredge material on East Timbalier Island to compensate for injuries to trust resources and services. This restoration will replace marsh that was injured by the released oil, provide wildlife and estuarine nursery habitat, and promote storm and erosion protection.

Near-vertical aerial photograph of East Timbalier Island 1 year after project construction and planting.

Project Details

A bio-benchmark survey conducted in November 1999 revealed that Spartina alterniflora grows best at this site between 0.6 and 1.7 feet NGVD (National Geodetic Vertical Datum). Those elevations were staked on the north side of the marsh platform in February 2000, and Spartina alterniflora was planted within that elevation range. Areas outside the staked range were planted with Spartina patens.

In all, 3.52 acres of Spartina alterniflora and 12.71 acres of Spartina patens were planted in primary parcels. An additional 11.94 acres of Spartina alterniflora were planted in contingency parcels in case the Spartina in the primary parcels did not thrive.