This project will remediate the effects of legacy agricultural ditching and berming and restore natural hydrological processes to 5 acres of spartina salt marsh at downeast salmon federation s 11-acre…

This project will remediate the effects of legacy agricultural ditching and berming and restore natural hydrological processes to 5 acres of spartina salt marsh at downeast salmon federation s 11-acre narraguagus marsh preserve in milbridge, maine. Downeast salmon federation will work with partners to develop and implement a restoration plan which will repair and revegetate artificial channels and restore natural drainage processes to the marsh. This is a high-visibility site that will showcase the benefits of saltmarsh restoration, involve community members in the process, and educate the local community about risks to saltmarsh health and the benefits of restoration through community meetings, field studies, and interpretive signage materials. Downeast salmon federation hopes that this project will serve as a catalyst to initiate conversations and relationships with landowners on 6 adjacent parcels, and eventually expand restoration work onto those parcels. The site s 5 saltmarsh acres have high habitat value and are classified by the maine natural areas program as an exemplary natural community. 4 acres are considered tidal waterfowl and wading bird habitat. The tidal channel is classified as habitat for sea-fun rainbow smelt (a federal species of concern) and river herring by the maine dept of inland fisheries wildlife. Documented state species of concern in nearby areas include the bald eagle, estuary bar-marigold, great blue heron, and harlequin duck.