Habitat Restoration at Dalton Lake Mitigation Bank

The management goal at the 23.2 ha Dalton Lake wetland mitigation bank is enhancement of waterfowl habitat by controlling the non-native grass Phalaris arundinacea (reed canarygrass) and restoring Sagittaria latifolia (wapato). The project included extensive research on lake hydrology and plant community dynamics. Mitigation actions consisted of excavation of Phalaris from two areas totaling 1.2 ha, replanting Sagittaria and construction of a low weir to control water levels. Baseline monitoring established that higher water and a longer period of inundation reduces Phalaris vigor, but extreme high water in consecutive years also reduced Sagittaria cover dramatically. "Adaptive management" involving continued monitoring and water level manipulation will be needed to restore the native plant community.