1. Some Strategic Considerations for Habitat Restoration Frederick W (Rick) Kutz, Ph.D. Environmental Scientist Email: rick.kutz@comcast.net

2. Today’s Presentation Describe Some Strategic Considerations for Habitat (Ecological) Restoration and Preservation Riparian Buffers, Wetlands, Forest Focus on Two Critical Elements of Strategy: Targeting Efficacy Monitoring

3. Importance of Eco Restoration in Mid-Atlantic Region 2010 by 2010 Program - Chesapeake Bay Program: Goal of Preserving or Restoring 2010 Miles of Riparian Buffer by Year 2010 in CBP Watershed Conservation Reserve Program (USDA) Provided $200 Million to State of MD for Riparian Buffer Restoration As a Result of Pfiesteria Outbreak Coastal Critical Areas Law

4. Cow-Lined Riparian Buffer

5. Formerly a Salt Marsh Wetlands

6. Some Strategic Considerations for Habitat Restoration Alliance Formation Restoration/Preservation Strategy Configurations Economic Considerations Targeting/Characterization Evaluation and Predictive Tools Management Guidance Design Guidance Performance Assessment Economic Documentation

7. EcoTargeting Traditional Approach in Mid-Atlantic Establish Targeting Criteria - Watershed Basis Landscape Attributes and Habitat Models Surface Monitoring Data Groundwater Geology and Hydrology Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

8. Predicting Nesting and Stop-Over Hotspots for Migrating Birds Result of Habitat Modeling Major Variables of Model Suitable Forest Habitat Forest Interior Habitat Forest Patch Isolation Riparian Buffer Width Prepared by DE Bay Estuary Project (US FWS) and MD Dept. of Natural Resources

9. Birds Included in Model Warblers – several spp. LA Waterthrust American Redstart Acadian Flycatcher Ovenbird Pileated Woodpecker Tanager – several spp. Barred Owl Red-Shouldered Hawk Brown Creeper Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher

10. This area represents approximately 625 acres (250 hectares). This area represents approximately 7,413 acres (3,000 hectares). Predicted Nesting and Stop-Over Hotspots for Migrating Neotropical Songbirds Maryland Coastal Bays Vicinity: Isle of Wight Bay Fall Migration Concentration Area, inland boundary Watershed Boundaries 1-6 species 7-12 species 13-18 species Protected Open Space

11. Efficacy Monitoring Traditional Approach in Mid-Atlantic Determine Whether Projects Are Effective in Their Intended Objectives – Improving Water Quality, Animal Community Structure, etc. Monitoring (Surface) Landscape Attributes (Remote) Additional Watershed Approaches May Be Needed

12. An Example – Functions of Wetlands Store Water - Flood Control Nutrient Reduction Sediment Reduction Habitat for Plants and Animals Detoxify Contaminants Detritus Formation - Animal Food Carbon Storage - Global Climate Change

13. Some Other Habitat Restoration Methods Filter Strips Contour Buffers Riparian Buffers Windbreak/Shelter- belt Buffers Alley Cropping Grassed Waterway Field Borders Other Practices: Hedgerows, Stream Bank Stabilization, Etc

14. Evolution, Not Revolution New Technologies – We Should Be Using These! EcoTargeting Are We Getting the Most Bang for the Buck? Efficacy Monitoring Are We Doing the Right Things in the Right Way?