Submission ID 128146
| Session Title | EN - Growing Roots and Routes: Lessons learned from Terrestrial and Wetland Mitigation and Offsetting Efforts |
|---|---|
| Title | How to make the "right" green grass grow. Bridging the gap between ecology and economy. |
| Abstract | This presentation will describe the many considerations that go into developing a revegetation strategy. From early planning stages to site preparation, seed mix design, weed management, seed installation, and measuring success upon contract completion, are we investing adequate resources and to get desired the desired outcome? While native species have considerable benefit to ecological processes, getting them established long term on disturbed landscapes adjacent to busy infrastructure projects can be challenging. A balanced approach of understanding species specific interactions with the environment, growing behaviours, long term goals of project sites, management or stewardship options available, all while adhering to project budgets and timelines is vital.
Infrastructure projects present unique complications for restoration– they are consistently infiltrated by invasive species and noxious weeds, subject to an inflated level of disturbance, and are typically under a high degree of public scrutiny- and using native species can be a costly endeavour. This presentation strives to illustrate that the investment is worth it, if we follow some guiding principles:
Using real project examples, this presentation will take an applied approach to revegetation and illustrate the benefits and strategies of using appropriate species mixes, such as competitive native species, favourable tame species, or a diverse mix of native species on offsetting projects. |
| Author and/or Presenter Information | Bryana Nicolas, Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure |
