1. Project Title: Metzger Marsh Coastal Wetland Restoration Project
Metzger Marsh Wildlife Area/Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge on
the south shore of the
western basin of Lake Erie, Ohio.
2. Contact
Gildo Tori, Project Leader
Crane Creek Wildlife Research Station , Ohio Division of Wildlife, 13229 W. SR 2,
Oak Harbor, OH 43449
Tel.: (419) 898-0960; FAX (419) 898-4017
3. Agencies/Partners Involved
Ohio Division of Wildlife, 13229 W. SR 2 , Oak Harbor, OH 43449
USFWS-Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, 1400 W. SR 2, Oak Harbour, OH 43449
Ducks Unlimited, Southern Regional Office, 101 Business Park Dr., Jackson, MS 39213
National Biological Survey- Ann Arbor, MI
ODNR-Division of Geological Survey
Maumee Valley Audubon Society
Lake Erie Waterfowlers
Ohio Decoy Carvers and Collectors
Wolf Creek Sportsmens Club
Mr. Herbert Metzger
Bluffton Sportsmens Club
4. Restoration Goal
To protect, restore and intensively manage 368 ha of lacustrine emergent coastal wetland while providing, to the extent possible, that the widest spectrum of benefits associated with this wetland be enhanced.
5. Project Type
Restoration and protection of coastal marsh on Lake Erie.
6. Background and Rationale
Metzger Marsh is one of the few remnant open coastal marshes along Lake Erie. Most of the coastal marshes unprotected by dikes have lost their vegetation and are essentially part of the lake.
In the early 1900s, a continuous barrier beach isolated the wetland from the lake. During the high water levels in 1929, and again in the late 1950s, the barrier beach was destroyed, permitting high energy waves to destroy the marsh vegetation. Currently, only 12 ha of vegetated marsh exist.
With the destruction of marsh vegetation, and unrestricted access to Lake Erie, the marsh has become unproductive for most species of wetland wildlife, including fish. Water levels fluctuate widely in the marsh and at times provide mudflats for shorebirds or 1.2 - 1.8 m waves. This project, undertaken under the North American Waterfowl Management Plan (NAWMP), seeks to restore emergent wetland vegetation, while permitting open access between the marsh and the lake. This approach has not been successful in the past along Lake Erie, but innovative methods are being implemented to try to maximize coastal wetland values and functions.
7. Regulatory Considerations
a) Completion of a USFWS Environmental Assessment.
b) Filed and obtained a corps of Engineers Section 404 permit.
8. Criteria
These are still being refined because of the lack of data on functions
and values of coastal wetlands in Lake Erie. However, the general criteria are to reestablish
an emergent coastal marsh with a 40 to 60 % vegetation to open
water ratio, with good interspersion. This increase in vegetation
should provide substantial wetland wildlife benefits. The project
will provide some measure of interchange between the lake and
the marsh, along with fish access.
9. Project Design
A 2 341 m lakefront armored dike is being constructed along the original barrier beach contour. A 12 m wide opening, with five 1.5 m control structures, is being constructed in the lakefront dike to provide water interchange and fish passage. A large pump and water control structure will be placed adjacent to the controlled opening to pump and dewater the marsh. The pump and all control structures will provide maximum marsh management capability, from complete closure to complete open access (Figure 1).
10. Implementation
In 1988, the Ohio Division of Wildlife (ODOW) and the USFWS initiated implementation of the NAWMP in Ohio. In the Lake Erie Marshes Focus Area, Metzger Marsh was listed as the number one priority for restoration. In 1992, the ODOW and its 8 partners received a wetland Conservation Act grant to begin restoration. The USFWS also received an appropriation to share in the project, and an Environmental Assessment was completed in 1993 after substantial work and public review. Groundbreaking was held in June of 1994 and dike construction began in October 1994. As of December 1994, half the dike is complete. Full construction of the dike is expected by August 1995, and installation of the pump and water exchange structure is expected in 1996. Two to three years of marsh drawdown will be conducted beginning in 1995 to reestablish vegetation. Some planting of wetland plants may occur. After vegetation has reestablished, the marsh will be open to the lake, and the project monitored for a period of five years.
11. Degree of Environmental Intervention
This restoration project requires a large degree of environmental intervention, because of the intervention that negatively impacted this region and the project site. Approximately 239 498 m3 of embankment and 118 105 m3 of rock will be used to build the dike, and significant resources are being used to place and build the pump and water exchange structures. The borrow pit is being constructed as a low level pit with gradual slopes, so as to function as a wetland rather than as a deep sterile pit. Construction will be halted during the February to June bald eagle nesting period because of an adjacent nest. Water levels in the marsh will be controlled for several years to reestablish vegetation, but then will be open to the lake. Water levels may be controlled in the future to reestablish or protect marsh vegetation.
12. Cost
Labour and Materials $4 720 000
Engineering/Surveys $378 000
Totals $5 098 000
Assessment Costs (estimated)
Survey and Monitoring $500 000
Total Project Cost $5 598 000(estimated)
13. Biological Assessment
Population and use surveys are being conducted pre-and post-construction for all avian species, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, mussels, macroinvertebrates, and vegetative characteristics. In addition, a seed bank study has been conducted as has a geological review of the project site. Projects are being conducted under the auspices of the ODOW and USFWS, and include partners from the National Biological Survey, University of Toledo, Heidleburg College, The Ohio State University and ODNR-Division of Geological Survey.
14. Measures of Success
Although continually being refined, the principal measure of success will be the establishment and maintenance of emergent marsh vegetation in a ratio of 40-60 % cover to open water after the marsh has been reconnected with the lake. We also plan to use some biological indicators (i.e. increases in bird abundance and diversity, increased fish spawning, etc.). These parameters are very difficult to establish, and will be finalized in early 1995.
Success Rating: 1
15. Key References
None.
Correct citation for this contribution:
Tori, G. 1995. Metzger Marsh coastal wetland restoration project, p. 145-148. In J.R.M. Kelso and J.H. Hartig [editors]. Methods of modifying habitat to benefit the Great Lakes ecosystem. CISTI (Can. Inst. Sci. Tech. Inf.) Occas. Pap. No. 1.