Town wins grant to restore marsh
By Sam Bari

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recently awarded the Conservation Commission an $89,000 WHIP (Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program) grant. The NRCS contribution of $67,000 required 25 percent in matching funds from the town in cash or services to be eligible. The town is providing both, according to Town Administrator Bruce Keiser.

Conservation Commission Chairman Chris Powell, a wildlife biologist with the state Department of Environmental Management (DEM), said the grant will be used to restore tidal flushing to the upper regions of Great Creek near Round Marsh by the toll plaza. When the commission recognized the need to restore the area, Powell assigned Conservation Commissioner Carol Trocki, who is also a conservation biologist, to spearhead the project and seek funds.

Trocki applied for grants to both the Coastal Resources Management Council (CRMC) and the NRCS. The CRMC application didn't work out, but the needs of the commission fell within the guidelines of the NRCS program and the WHIP grant was awarded.

To restore tidal flushing to the eco-sensitive area, steps will be taken to eradicate phragmites. Cutting and mulching the invasive tall weed, as well as tidal flushing will help the process, Trocki said.

She said that part of the match of funds will be the contribution of a mosquito abatement program from the DEM. They have machines for mowing invasive plant life and a machine that opens up and cleans ditches to allow the tides to flush the area, she said.

Trocki said that the Conservation Commission will also participate in pre- and post- monitoring of the project as required to fulfill the matching funds requirement.

In the application for the grant, Trocki emphasized the importance of the tidal flush restoration. "Salt marshes are habitat and breeding areas for shellfish, finfish, and a number of different birds," Trocki said. "The marshes also provide a buffer in case of storms and possible flooding. Additionally, they are vital to migratory birds and are essential for feeding herons."

She explained that the eradication of phragmites was essential to the success of tidal restoration because the non-native invasive monoculture grows densely and crowds out other species that are beneficial to the health of the marsh.