Using the past to restore the future: Quantifying historical vegetation to assist in tidal freshwater wetland restoration Former Lake Charles at the VCU Rice Rivers Center

Authors

Christopher D. Gatens, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow
Edward R. Crawford, Virginia Commonwealth UniversityFollow

Document Type

Poster

Original Publication Date

2015

Comments

This poster was presented at the VCU Rice Rivers Center Spring 2015 Research Symposium.

Date of Submission

June 2015

Abstract

Wetlands have been providing humans with critical natural ecosystem services throughout our time on Earth. Nevertheless, these invaluable ecosystems have been habitually altered as a cost of human progression. Two of the most common alterations to wetlands are hydrologic, in the form of damming, and filling. Both occurred along Kimages Creek in Charles City County, VA during the 19th and 20th centuries. In 2010 the Lake Charles dam was partially removed, restoring the creek's tidal communication with the James River and beginning tidal forested freshwater wetland restoration. Upon the recession of the body of water, numerous woody stumps were revealed.

Rights

© The Author

Is Part Of

VCU Rice Rivers Center Research Symposium