Shivering Sands Demonstration Project (Wisconsin): Ecological Impacts of Road Building in a Forested Sand Dune and Swale Great Lake's Coastal Wetland Complex
Natural System and Location: Lowland Conifer forest, small open lakes, and dune and swale topography within coastal region of Door County, Northeast Wisconsin.
Hypothesis/Goal: Logging roads, associated ditches, and groundwater impacts have altered the hydrology of the Shivering Sands site.
Restoration Strategy: Removal or alteration of logging roads and associated ditches will restore natural hydrologic function. Monitoring of water levels using wells will determine the importance of groundwater to this coastal ecosystem.
Anticipated Outcomes/Environmental Affects: Restoration of the natural hydrology will restore healthy native plan communities and reduce/remove exotic species.
Progress to Date: Shivering Sands (Door County) project focused on impact of logging roads and drainage culverts on local hydrology. Early results suggest significant linkage between groundwater flows and swale wetlands. Multiple staff gauges and ground-water monitoring equipment installed. Topographic and vegetative surveys are in progress.
School of Natural Resources and Environment
Dana Building
430 East University
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-1115 riverflows@snre.umich.edu
