Restoration of a Low-elevation Riparian Forest Ecosystem
Project ID: UW-01-14
Federal Agency: National Park Service
Partner Institution: University of Washington
Fiscal Year: 2001
Initial Funding: $27,247
Total Funding: $48,247
Project Type: Research
Project Disciplines: Biological
National Park: North Cascades National Park
Principal Investigator: Ewing, Kern
Agreement Technical Representative: Rochefort, Regina
Abstract: The general goals of this research project are to restore a functioning low-elevation riparian forest, to better understand the severity and extent of current impacts, and to learn how to facilitate a long-term system restoration. The site has been functioning as a borrow pit for over 30 years and plant cover is limited and exotic plant species are wide-spread. Research objectives will include two different soil treatments, three mulch treatments, and the use of transplants and native seed mixes. While restoration of native plant communities has been a part of park projects for at least 2 decades, little monitoring or research into the effect of treatment alternatives has been implemented or documented. This project provides the opportunity for research looking at the effects soil and mulch treatments on nutrient cycling, plant growth and establishment rates, and exotic to native plant ratios. This project has application to many restoration sites within the Pacific Northwest, as well as evaluations of the severity of human impacts to native ecosystems within Wilderness areas.
(Renumbered J9088010019.)
Deliverables: