ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION OF GREAT PLAINS ECOSYSTEMS EXPERIENCING MULTIPLE STRESSORS

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: HATCH
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 0165278
• Project Start Date: Oct 1, 2012
• Project End Date: Sep 30, 2017
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
UNIV OF MINNESOTA
(N/A)
ST PAUL,MN 55108

Performing Department
Fisheries & Wildlife

Non Technical Summary
Global warming, in combination with other stressors such as habitat fragmentation, nutrient enrichment and invasive species, now seems certain to trigger extraordinary changes to the Earths ecosystems in the coming decades. In 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change acknowledged for the first time that concerted efforts towards adaptation would be necessary along with mitigation. Adaptation strategies are the solutions intended to minimize the consequences of climate change to ecological and social systems. Ecological resilience, the ability for an ecosystem to recover after disruptive events, is widely considered to be essential for natural systems to be able to adapt to climate change. Where resilience remains, human interventions to accomplish adaptation are less likely to be as essential as for systems that have lost their inherent resilience. Thus, ecological restoration aimed at rebuilding resilience will be an increasingly important aspect of climate change adaptation programs aimed at the conservation of natural resources. Restoration will only be able to contribute to climate change adaptation if it can be accomplished at a large scale. Moreover, these restored ecosystems need to function similarly to natural ones, and so need to include comparable level of biodiversity (i.e., the variety of habitats, species, and genes). This research project addresses several gaps that significantly limit ecological restoration of Great Plains ecosystems. Specifically, this research project plans to: 1) develop a decision-analysis model that can be used to help land managers prioritize restoration actions in intensively agricultural areas of the prairie pothole landscape of southwestern Minnesota, 2) develop a process of regional restoration planning and economic analysis for grasslands and wetlands in west central Minnesota, and 3) determine if water level management can be used to reduce the extent of invasive plant populations on regulated rivers of the Great Plains, towards the aim of restoring habitat and species diversity

Animal Health Component

(N/A)

Research Effort Categories

Basic

(N/A)

Applied

(N/A)

Developmental

(N/A)

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
135	0330	1070	30%
136	0780	1070	35%
213	0330	1070	35%

Knowledge Area
135 - Aquatic and Terrestrial Wildlife; 136 - Conservation of Biological Diversity; 213 - Weeds Affecting Plants;

Subject Of Investigation
0780 - Grasslands, other; 0330 - Wetland and riparian systems;

Field Of Science
1070 - Ecology;

Keywords

ecological restoration

restoration ecology

wetlands

rivers

invasive species

ecological models

agricultural impacts

global warming

climate change

biodiversity

conservation biology

prairie potholes

phragmites australis

Goals / Objectives
This research project addresses several gaps that significantly limit ecological restoration of Great Plains ecosystems. This research project will focus on several related projects that should advance our understanding of how to adequately plan and pursue ecological restoration in several Great Plains ecosystems. Specifically, the research will: 1) develop a decision-analysis model that can be used to help land managers prioritize restoration actions in intensively agricultural areas of the prairie pothole landscape of southwestern Minnesota, 2) develop a process of regional restoration planning and economic analysis for grasslands and wetlands in west central Minnesota, and 3) determine if water level management can be used to reduce the extent of invasive plant populations on regulated rivers of the Great Plains, towards the aim of restoring habitat and species diversity

Project Methods
Objective 1: A decision model will be built for the SW prairie region of Minnesota that can be used to help land managers prioritize management activities for climate change adaptation actions over the next 5-10 years in a set of protected public reserves. The goal of the model will be to maximize biodiversity conservation subject to budget constraints and uncertainty about climate change impacts over the next 20-50 years. The model will rely on an optimization algorithm that that determines an optimal selection of management actions across a suite of grassland/wetland conservation reserves. The objective is to maximize the expected number of species in a landscape conserved at the end of the management horizon across the suite of reserves per dollar invested in conservation actions. We will focus on plant species in conservation reserves. Objective 2: This objective will be met by developing restoration plans for two prairie landscape regions in western Minnesota and analyzing landowner economic returns and ecosystem services provisions. My research team is responsible for the research plans; Stephen Polasky is leading the research related to the economic analysis.The restoration plans will be based on a qualitative state-transition model that will characterize the common starting conditions, desired end states and transitions that could be achieve via restoration. Plans will be developed for each selected transition. State transitions will largely involve removal of undesirable vegetation and the addition of native vegetation appropriate to the target plant community. In all cases, best practices will be based on expert knowledge, restoration literature and input from local land managers. Objective 3: This study will determine the relationship between discharge rates, local hydraulics, and scour mortality for Phragmites australis, in the active channel of the Platte River. The study will take place in a side channel of the river. Typically, water flows through the channel from September-April; this water is diverted for crop use during the remaining 4 months. The site can be modified so that there is lower discharge for a longer duration. One discharge event will occur each year for three years. Prior to each event, Phragmites seedlings will be established in plots on both sides of the channel. Flow measurements will be taken in the experimental plots during the releases at multiple points from the bank, landward. Plant loss due to scouring will be measured immediately following the release in the experimental plots. Vegetative propagule traps will be deployed at the outlet of the channel to assess the detachment and transport of rhizome and stolon fragments. Mortality will be re-assessed in the growing season following each release to determine the extent of overwintering mortality. Scour mortality for rhizomes and seedlings as a function of peak discharge and flooding duration will be analyzed based on flows at the microsites (i.e., within plots) as well as conditions at the gate.

Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/17

Outputs
Target Audience:The results of this research project are aimed at public land managers and policy makers. Non-profit conservation organizations, local watershed districts, Minnesota state agencies, the US Forest Service and the US Fish and Wildlife Service use information from this project to make land management and program decisions. Policy makers in the Minnesota legislature and Legislative commissions (LCCMR, LSOHC) have also requested information regarding the results of this research project. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?As part of this project, one PhD student, one postdoc, and one MS student were trained. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?This project has provided information used in several professional webinars, as well as in presentations to staff of The Wildlife Society which includes land managers from multiple organizations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Nothing Reported

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Goal 1: Because ecological restorations typically require a significant commitment of resources achieve their aims, being able to assess the level of intervention needed is critical. This is especially true in an era of rapid global change, where ecosystems are affected by multiple stressors, including climate alterations. We are working on two kinds of assessment tools intended to guide restoration planning: 1) approaches for managing climate-sensitive native species and 2) synoptic resilience assessments. Laura Phillips-Mao et al. (2016) used model-based scenario planning to assess management options for a grassland that supports a large population of a hydrologically sensitive rare species, small white lady slipper. We simulated population trends under scenarios combining changes in drought frequency, water table and invasive species cover. The gain in resilience achieved through the control of invasive species minimized population losses from drought disturbances. Applying this approach to other high priority populations should enable conservation decision-makers to develop sound, cost-effective management and monitoring protocols despite climate uncertainty. Ecological resilience likely confers stability to ecosystems experiencing multiple and novel stresses. Where sufficient resilience remains, restoration relies less on human intervention than on natural processes. Because environmental conditions, natural disturbances, and species composition are highly variable from one ecoregion to another assessment of resilience needs be tailored to a locale. Few practical tools for gauging ecological resilience have been proposed (none for Midwestern US ecosystems). We are launching research to develop these tools. Goal 2: In highly fragmented landscapes, natural recolonization isn't sufficient for restoring native plant communities. Obtaining sufficient quantities of native seed is a major barrier to many restorations, especially large-scale projects Wild seed harvest is relied on to overcome commercial seed supply constraints but it introduces risks to the remnant vegetation being harvested. In a field survey of harvested and unharvested tallgrass prairies, Justin Meissen et al. (2015) showed that short-lived, non-clonal species appeared to be most susceptible to decline from seed harvest. Modeling and field experiments supported these findings (Meissen et al. 2017a, 2017b). Goal 3: Invasive species issues are central to ecological restoration worldwide. Reversing invasive species spread is a common motivation for restoration and the outcome of many projects depends on adequate control throughout the restoration process. Our lab has worked on several wetland invasive species, notably reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea). Our work currently focuses on common reed (Phragmites australis). Phragmites is adversely affecting riverine, coastal, and other wetlands throughout North America. On the central Platte River (Nebraska) we studied seed and rhizome ecology, hoping to find new non-chemical options for control. Repeated aerial application of herbicides in (glyphosate and imazapyr) is often used to control Phragmites but these methods have significant non-target impacts on native species. We learned that water level management can reduce common reed germination by as much as 60% (Galatowitsch et al. 2016).

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Meissen, J.C., S.M. Galatowitsch, and M.W. Cornett, 2017. Assessing long-term risks of prairie seed harvest: what is the role of life history. Botany 95: 1081-1092.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2017 Citation: Meissen, J.C., S.M. Galatowitsh, and M.W. Cornett. 2017. Meeting seed demand for landscape-scale restoration sustainably: the influence of seed harvest intensity and site management. Ecoscience 24: 145-155.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Galatowitsch, S., D. Larson, and J. Larson. 2016. Factors affecting post-control reinvasion by seed of an invasive species, Phragmites australis, in the central Platte River, Nebraska. Biological Invasions 18: 2505-2516.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Phillips-Mao, L., S. Galatowitsch, S. Snyder, and R. Haight. 2016. Model-based scenario planning to develop climate change adaptation strategies for rare plant populations in grassland reserves. Biological Conservation 193: 103-114.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Meissen, J. ,S. Galatowitsch, and M. Cornett. 2015. Risks of overharvesting seed from native tallgrass prairies. Restoration Ecology 23: 882-891.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Phillips-Mao, L., J. Refsland, and S. Galatowitsch. 2015 Cost-estimation for landscape-scale restoration planning in the Upper Midwest, US. Ecological Restoration 33: 147-155.

Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:The results of this research project are aimed at public land managers and policy makers. This past year, we have provided research results in meetings, workshops or in print form to Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, The Nature Conservancy, The Legislative and Citizen's Commission on Minnesota Resources, among others. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?This project has provided information used in several professional webinars, as well as in presentations to staff of The Wildlife Society which includes land managers from multiple organizations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?In this last year of the project, I will finish analysis of a data set on Minnesota prairie, forest and wetland restorations in order to ascertain the factors most predictive of project success, as defined by potential natural vegetation and invasive species abundance. These factors will be used to develop guidance for restoration practitioners planning future restorations.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? In this past year, we completed a decision support model for assessing management options for grasslands that support water-dependent rare plant populations likely vulnerable to climate change and invasive species impacts. This model was published and communicated to multiple stakeholder groups. (Goal 1). In this past year we completed our analysis of seed movement as a Phragmites reinvasion risk on the Platte River. This model was published and communicated to multiple stakeholder groups (Goal 2).

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Galatowitsch,S, D. Larson, and J. Larson. 2016. Factors affecting post-control reinvasion by seed of an invasive species, Phragmites australis, in the central Platte River, Nebraska. Biological Invasions 18: 1-12.
• Type: Books Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Phillips-Mao, L., S. Galatowitsch, S. Snyder, and R. Haight. 2016. Model-based scenario planning to develop climate change adaptation strategies for rare plant populations in grassland reserves. Biological Conservation 193: 103-114.

Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:The results of this research project are aimed at public land managers and policy makers. Non-profit conservation organizations, local watershed districts, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service utilize information from this project to make land management and program decisions. Policy makers in the Minnesota legislature and the Legislative and Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources have also requested information regarding the results of this research project. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Information from this research project is incorporated into five online professional courses we offer on ecological restoration. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?We made presentations at scientific and professional meetings and published several papers this past year. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?1) We will complete the predictive model for assessing the risks of native seed harvest and publish these results. We will complete a third year of the field study that will be used to validate the model. 2) We will complete data collection for the restoration evaluation project. We will be hosting 2 webinars in 2016 to communicate these findings to professionals. 3) Analyze data from the hydrology-vegetation dynamics study and incorporate this information into a teaching case for publication.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? This past year we completed and submitted publications on major aspects of all components of this research project, including developmwnr of a cost-estimation tool for prairie restoration, an empirical study assessing the risks of wild seed harvest on native prairies, development of a model to assess potential impacts of climate change on a rare wet meadow species, and empirical studies investigating the potential for water level management as a control approach for Phragmites australis. This past year, we also made significant progress developing a predictive model for assessing the risks of native seed harvest on native prairies and completed the second year of data collection on a controlled field experiment that will be used to validate this model. We also continued field surveys of 60 restorations completed in Minnesota over the past 20 years, for a project evaluating the importance of environmental and social factors on ecological restoration outcomes. This study will be used to develop statewide guidance for selecting projects for fundng. We also continued the hydrology-vegetation dynamics study in South Dakota, but have decided to discontinue data gathering after this year due to challenges associated interpreting data collected by multiple observers.

Publications

• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Phillips-Mao, L., J. Refsland, and S. Galatowitsch. 2015 Cost-estimation for landscape-scale restoration planning in the Upper Midwest, US. Ecological Restoration 33: 147-155.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Galatowitsch, S. Ecological restoration at meaningful time scales. Sixth World Conference on Ecological Restoration, Manchester UK, August 2015.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Under Review Year Published: 2016 Citation: Galatowitsch, S., D. Larson, and J. Larson. Factors affecting post-control reinvasion by seed of an invasive species, Phragmites australis, in the central Platte River, Nebraska. Biological Invasions, In revision.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Phillips-Mao, L., S. Galatowitsch, S. Snyder, and R. Haight. 2016. Model-based scenario planning to develop climate change adaptation strategies for rare plant populations in grassland reserves. Biological Conservation 193: 103-114.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Meissen, J. ,S. Galatowitsch, and M. Cornett. 2015. Risks of overharvesting seed from native tallgrass prairies. Restoration Ecology 23: 882-891.

Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: The results of this research project are aimed at public land managers and policy makers. Non-profit conservation organizations, local watershed districts, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service utilize information from this project to make land management and program decisions. Policy makers in the Minnesota legislature and the Legislative and Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources have also requested information regarding the results of this research project. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Our team was the local host for the Midwest-Great Lakes annual meeting of the Society for Ecological Restoration. This meeting included several presentations for research conducted on this project. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? We made presentations at scientific and professional meetings. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? We have several papers that will be published in 2015. We will complete the seed harvest experiment, analyze the results, and prepare the findings for publication. We will continue to the field work on the hydrology-vegetation dynamics study.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? This past year we completed the analysis for a study on cost-estimation for grassland and wetland restoration--this paper is in review. We also drafted a manuscript on the potential for water level management to be used for control of invasive Phragmites control on the Platte River--this paper has been provisionally accepted. We developed a model to assess the potential impacts of climate change on rare wet meadow species and to plan management climate change adaptation strategies--this paper is in preparation. We continued to collectdata on an experiment intended to assess the risks of wild seed harvest of native prairies. We began a study looking at the effects of hydrological change on vegetation dynamics of prairie wetlands.

Publications

• Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Galatowitsch, S. and J.B. Zedler. Wetland restoration. Chapter 10 IN: Ecology of Freshwater and Estuarine Wetlands. University of California Press (D. Batzer and R. Sharitz, eds).

Progress 01/01/13 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: The results of this research project are aimed at public land managers and policy makers. Non-profit conservation organizations, local watershed districts, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service utilize information from this project to make land management and program decisions. Policy makers in the Minnesota legislature and the Legislative and Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources have also requested information regarding the results of this research project. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Restoration plans, seed mixes and cost estimates were distributed to project partnersto guide regional restoration planning and inform private landowners about restoration options. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? The results have been disseminated in a report to project partners and in talks presented at professional meetings, including the Society for Ecological Restoration International Congress held in October 2013. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? We will be completing the analysis of several data sets related to long-term wetland restoration recovery, risks of prairie seed harvest, effects of flow regimes on invasive species in riparian areas. These will be incorporated into publications in 2014.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Landscape-scale restoration planning is challenging due to the site-specific nature of restoration decision-making and implementation. Budgeting for landscape-scale projects requires a method for anticipating restoration prescriptions and costs that is sensitive to site and project variability, but can also be rapidly applied across large landscapes. To address this need, we developed a qualitative state transition model as a coarse-resolution tool for landscape-scale restoration planning and applied it to two landscapes to guide implementation of restoration goals set forth in the 2011 Minnesota Prairie Plan. We specified common “start states” based on vegetation, and restoration “end states” distinguished by plant community, soil moisture, and project goals. We assessed which transitions from start to end states could be achieved through restoration, and for a subset, we developed generalized restoration plans based on best practices; created seed mixes reflecting commercial availability and regional differences; and surveyed restoration practitioners to estimate the costs of achieving each transition. Cost estimates ranged widely based on starting conditions, project goals and restoration targets. The per-acre cost difference between the cheapest transition—crop to moderate-diversity prairie—and the most expensive—restoring high-diversity wet meadow on a site invaded by reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinaceae)—was greater than threefold ($800-$2700). Start states were mapped for each landscape, and the transition costs will be used to inform prioritization models for conservation planning.

Publications

Progress 01/01/12 to 12/31/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The results of this research are being disseminated as they become available through periodic coordination meetings (either annual or semi-annual) with project partners. In addition, members of our research group regularly make presentations at agency training workshops and do legislative hearings, upon request. We also provide agency partners with written reports and manuscripts prior to submission to scientific journals. PARTICIPANTS: Partner organizations for this research project include the U.S.Geological Survey, U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S.Forest Service, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The following individuals are collaborators: Diane Larson (U.S. Geological Survey), Lee Frelich (University of Minnesota), Carl Rosen (University of Minnesota), Ray Newman (University of Minnesota), Myla Aronson (Hofstra University), Carrie Adams (University of Florida), Clinton Moore (USGS), Eric Lonsdorf (USGS). The following graduate students received training as part of this research project: Laura Phillips-Mao, Basil Iannone, Dana Vanderbosch, Sara Simmers, Travis Henspeter, Pat Sherman. TARGET AUDIENCES: The results of this research project are aimed at public land managers and policy makers. Local watershed districts, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service utilize information from this project to make land management and program decisions. Policy makers in the Minnesota legislature and the Legislative and Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources have also requested information regarding the results of this research project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Increasing attention to global climate change and renewable energy are generating interest in landscape-scale restoration of native ecosystems. Converting lands currently in annual crop production to grasslands, wetlands, and forests is seen as crucial for the migration of thousands of species as climate warms, in addition to providing the direct benefit of carbon sequestration. Several related studies are being pursued that should advance our understanding of how to adequately plan and pursue landscape-scale restoration in several different systems important in the agricultural Midwest: wetlands, grasslands, lakeshores and large rivers. In 2012, our research focused on developing control approaches for the introduced, invasive common reed (Phragmites australis). This species alters river channels and is causing a significant loss of critical habitat for threatened species, such as the whooping crane on the Platte River. This past year we completed several field experiments including studies of factors affecting the transport and stranding survival of rhizomes in the river channel. This past year we also had conducted several experimental floods in side channels of the Platte River that allowed us to simulate conditions more typical of those that existed historically, i.e., about 4x modern flood peaks. We determined that like Phragmites, native Populus deltoides is also very resistant to flooding, with low mortality caused by major flood events. In 2013, we will begin using the results from the field studies to develop a quantitative model of vegetation dynamics in response to fluvial dynamics. This past year, we began research into the effects of harvesting native seed from tallgrass prairie. Mowing prairie remnants is becoming an increasingly common practice to meet the demand for prairie restoration projects. To test whether life history traits, such as short lifespan and low seed production can be used to predict the impact of wild harvest on native plant populations, we are conducting a retrospective study of 17 native remnant grasslands that varied in harvest frequency, but are otherwise similar. Prairies have been harvested for seed with combines frequently (annually/biennially), infrequently (2-3 times), or not at all. The results of the first year of data will be analyzed in 2013.

Publications

• Galatowitsch, S. 2012. Northern prairie wetlands. Chapter 20 IN: Wetland Habitats of North America. University of California Press (D. Batzer and A. Baldwin, eds).

Progress 01/01/11 to 12/31/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The results of this research are being disseminated as they become available through periodic coordination meetings (either annual or semi-annual) with project partners. In addition, members of our research group regularly make presentations at agency training workshops and do legislative hearings, upon request. We also provide agency partners with written reports and manuscripts prior to submission to scientific journals. PARTICIPANTS: Partner organizations for this research project include the U.S.Geological Survey, U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S.Forest Service, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The following individuals are collaborators: Diane Larson (U.S. Geological Survey), Lee Frelich (University of Minnesota), Carl Rosen (University of Minnesota), Ray Newman (University of Minnesota), Myla Aronson (Hofstra University), Carrie Adams (University of Florida), Clinton Moore (USGS), Eric Lonsdorf (USGS). The following graduate students received training as part of this research project: Laura Phillips-Mao, Basil Iannone, Dana Vanderbosch, Sara Simmers, Travis Henspeter, Pat Sherman. TARGET AUDIENCES: The results of this research project are aimed at public land managers and policy makers. Local watershed districts, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service utilize information from this project to make land management and program decisions. Policy makers in the Minnesota legislature and the Legislative and Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources have also requested information regarding the results of this research project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Increasing attention to global climate change and renewable energy are generating interest in landscape-scale restoration of native ecosystems. Converting lands currently in annual crop production to grasslands, wetlands, and forests is seen as crucial for the migration of thousands of species as climate warms, in addition to providing the direct benefit of carbon sequestration. Several related studies are being pursued that should advance our understanding of how to adequately plan and pursue landscape-scale restoration in several different systems important in the agricultural Midwest: wetlands, grasslands, lakeshores and large rivers. In 2011, our research focused on developing control approaches for the introduced, invasive common reed (Phragmites australis). This species alters river channels and is causing a significant loss of critical habitat for threatened species, such as the whooping crane on the Platte River. We published the results of one study in 2011 showing that the European strain of this grass is by far more abundant than the native strain. In addition, we learned that although the European strain did not significantly spread through the central Platte River corridor until the late 1990's, it was present in the region as early as 1973. This past year, we also had conducted several experimental floods in side channels of the Platte River that allowed us to simulate conditions more typical of those that existed historically, i.e., about 4x modern flood peaks. Our investigations of seedling mortality showed that even new germinants (i.e., less than a month old) are resistant to flood scouring. Nearly one-third of all seedlings in experimental plantings survived major flood events. Previously we had determined from greenhouse studies that prescribed flooding was ineffective for preventing seed germination. Unfortunately, this means that using prescribed flooding as a control technique will not be effective. We are also investigating techniques to improve the effectiveness of control of vegetative propagules; these experiments will be completed in 2012.In 2011, we also published research results on the revegetation of restored prairie wetlands. In these papers, we provide conclusive evidence that wet meadow plant community re-establishment is dispersal, not establishment, limited and so requires seeding or planting. This past year we also completed a long-term study (15 years) of the volunatary retention of restored prairie wetlands in federal and state landowner incentive programs in Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota. We determined that a surprisingly high portion of wetlands have been retained (nearly 70%) past the end of the contract. Landowners are somewhat more likely to maintain wetlands that are larger or if they restored many wetlands on their property. This study will be useful for designing future landowner incentive programs in the agricultural Midwest.

Publications

• Larson, D. S. Galatowitsch, and J. Larson. 2011. Native and European haplotypes of Phragmites australis in the Platte River, Nebraska. Great Plains Research 21: 175-180.
• Kettenring, K.M. and S.M. Galatowitsch. 2011. Carex seedling emergence in restored and natural prairie wetlands. Wetlands 31: 273-281.
• Kettenring, K.M. and S.M. Galatowitsch. 2011. Seed rain of restored and natural prairie wetlands. Wetlands 31: 283-294.
• Galatowitsch, S. 2011. Northern prairie wetland Habitats. Chapter 20 In, D. Batzer and R. Sharitz, Freshwater Wetlands of North America, University of California Press.

Progress 01/01/10 to 12/31/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The results of this research are being disseminated as they become available through periodic coordination meetings (either annual or semi-annual) with project partners. In addition, members of our research group regularly make presentations at agency training workshops and do legislative hearings, upon request. We also provide agency partners with written reports and manuscripts prior to submission to scientific journals. PARTICIPANTS: Partner organizations for this research project include the U.S.Geological Survey, U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S.Forest Service, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The following individuals are collaborators: Diane Larson (U.S. Geological Survey), Lee Frelich (University of Minnesota), Carl Rosen (University of Minnesota), Ray Newman (University of Minnesota), Myla Aronson (Hofstra University), Carrie Adams (University of Florida), Clinton Moore (USGS), Eric Lonsdorf (USGS). The following graduate students received training as part of this research project: Laura Phillips-Mao, Basil Iannone, Dana Vanderbosch, Sara Simmers, Travis Henspeter. TARGET AUDIENCES: The results of this research project are aimed at public land managers and policy makers. Local watershed districts, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service utilize information from this project to make land management and program decisions. Policy makers in the Minnesota legislature and the Legislative and Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources have also requested information regarding the results of this research project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Increasing attention to global climate change and renewable energy are generating interest in landscape-scale restoration of native ecosystems. Converting lands currently in annual crop production to grasslands, wetlands, and forests is seen as crucial for the migration of thousands of species as climate warms, in addition to providing the direct benefit of carbon sequestration. Several related studies are being pursued that should advance our understanding of how to adequately plan and pursue landscape-scale restoration in several different systems important in the agricultural Midwest: wetlands, grasslands, lakeshores and large rivers. In 2010, we published two papers on lakeshore restoration. In the north central US, lakeshore restoration is widely pursued but prone to failure. Through surveys of completed restorations, we were able to determine plant choices and other practices associated with project failure and project success. Our findings showed that the greatest problems exist in persistently flooded areas. We conducted experiments to determine how time of year, depth, and type of propagule affected revegetation succession. A key finding from this research is that time of year is a major determinant of planting success. One-year surivival rates for plantings installed after July are dramatically lower than those planted earlier in the season. This is important because many lakeshore revegetation projects are currently scheduled during this suboptimal planting period. During 2010, we continued work on the Platte River to investigate whether prescribed flooding can be used as reverse the invasive spread of Phragmites australis. We developed new techniques to quantify the rate of detachment and transport of vegetative propagules. These techniques will be used in 2011 to determine whether current invasive species control techniques (fall tillage) are increasing or decreasing invasive spread of Phragmites.

Publications

• Vanderbosch, D. and S.M. Galatowitsch. 2010. Assessment of urban lakeshore restorations in Minnesota. Ecological Restoration 28: 71-80.
• Vanderbosch, D. and S.M. Galatowitsch. In Press. Factors affecting the establishment of Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani in urban lakeshore restorations. Wetlands Ecology and Management (Online August 2010).
• Simmers, S. and S.M. Galatowitsch. 2010. Factors affecting revegetation of oil field access roads in semiarid grassland. Restoration Ecology 18: 27-39.
• Galatowitsch, S.M. 2011. Northern prairie wetlands. Chapter 20 In, D. Batzer and R. Sharitz, Freshwater Wetlands of North America, University of California Press. In Press.

Progress 01/01/09 to 12/31/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: The results of this research are being disseminated as they become available through periodic coordination meetings (either annual or semi-annual) with project partners. In addition, members of our research group regularly make presentations at agency training workshops and do legislative hearings, upon request. We also provide agency partners with written reports and manuscripts prior to submission to scientific journals. PARTICIPANTS: Partner organizations for this research project include the U.S.Geological Survey, U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S.Forest Service, Minnesota Department of Transportation, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The following individuals are collaborators: Diane Larson (U.S. Geological Survey), Lee Frelich (University of Minnesota), Carl Rosen (University of Minnesota), Ray Newman (University of Minnesota), Myla Aronson (Hofstra University), Carrie Adams (University of Florida), Clinton Moore (USGS), Eric Lonsdorf (USGS). The following graduate students received training as part of this research project: Laura Phillips-Mao, Basil Iannone, Dana Vanderbosch, Sara Simmers, Travis Henspeter. TARGET AUDIENCES: The results of this research project are aimed at public land managers and policy makers. Local watershed districts, the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources, U.S. Forest Service, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service utilize information from this project to make land management and program decisions. Policy makers in the Minnesota legislature and the Legislative and Citizen's Commission on Minnesota Resources have also requested information regarding the results of this research project. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Increasing attention to global climate change and renewable energy are generating interest in landscape-scale restoration of native ecosystems. Converting lands currently in annual crop production to grasslands, wetlands, and forests is seen as crucial for the migration of thousands of species as climate warms, in addition to providing the direct benefit of carbon sequestration. Several related studies are being pursued that should advance our understanding of how to adequately plan and pursue landscape-scale restoration in several different systems important in the agricultural Midwest: wetlands, grasslands, lakeshores and large rivers. In 2009, we published three papers that describe the implications of climate change to large-scale restoration. A global analysis of voluntary and mandatory carbon offset programs recommended key reforms in policies to ensure that ecosystems restored to sequester carbon provide the intended benefits. Focusing on Minnesota, we produced the first downscaled climate projections for the state to serve as a foundation for land use planning, including restoration. One key finding suggests that wetlands across the western half of the state may have only one-third of their current water supply within 50 years. Remnant wetlands in Minnesota's agricultural areas will be increasingly relied on to support the continental waterfowl population as climate warming decreases habitat suitability to the west. One of our large river studies (Platte River) has demonstrated that invasive species spread (Phragmites australis) is likely facilitated by drought conditions. Anticipated increases in agricultural water demand, coupled with higher evapotranspiration, will likely increase the incidence of drought and therefore encourage the dominance of species like Phragmites. In addition, we showed that the spreading Phragmites populations are of European original, demonstrating that that this invasion has progressed from the eastern seaboard of the US (Chesapeake) into the Great Plains. Because this invasive species has an adverse effect on the several endangered species and on the river hydrology, we are currently investigating how to modify river and floodplain conditions to reduce its spread.

Publications

• Borman, S.C., Galatowitsch, S.M., and Newman, R.M. 2009. The effects of species immigrations and changing conditions on isoetid communities. Aquatic Botany 91: 143-150.
• Galatowitsch, S.M. 2009. Carbon offsets as ecological restorations. Restoration Ecology 17: 563-570.
• Galatowitsch, S., Frelich, L. and Phillips-Mao, L. 2009. Regional climate change adaptation strategies for biodiversity conservation in a midcontinental region of North America. Biological Conservation 142: 2012-2022.
• Galatowitsch, S., Frelich, L. and Phillips-Mao, L. Coping with climate change: Conservation planning in Minnesota. CURA Reporter. In Press, 2010.
• Iannone, B.V., Rosen, C.J. and Galatowitsch, S.M. 2009. Soil nitrogen concentrations in a restored sedge meadow wetland as affected by the application of high C:N amendments. Ecological Restoration 27: 193-199.
• Simmers, S. and Galatowitsch, S. Factors affecting revegetation of oil field access roads in semi-arid grasslands. Restoration Ecology. In press, 2010.
• Vanderbosch, D. and Galatowitsch, S. An assessment of urban lakeshore restorations in Minnesota. Ecological Restoration. In press, 2010.

Progress 01/01/08 to 12/31/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: We are focusing on several related projects that should advance our understanding of how to adequately plan and pursue landscape-scale restoration in the Midwestern US. Specifically this project is: 1) synthesizing information on the long-term success of prairie pothole restorations pursued in agricultural landscapes, 2) applying the insights from this long-term study to a newly initiated large-scale restoration effort on the Upper Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, and 3)considering the extent to which local seed availability should constrain large-scale prairie restoration by exploring the importance of seed source distance to regeneration traits. The results of our long-term studies on prairie-pothole restoration have been disseminated through several talks to the general public and professional groups. The work on large river restoration is closely tied to the National Wildlife Refuge System. The issue of seed source distance was included in a two day conference on climate change adaptation at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
In the mid-1980s, approximately 1.6 million acres of grasslands and wetlands were planted/restored in the midcontinental US under the the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) of the 1985 Food Security Act and similar state programs, such as Reinvest in Minnesota (RIM). Much of this land was, however, planted to a few non-native grasses or cultivars as a cost-effective means of preventing soil erosion. While these programs were motivated by concerns over soil loss and water quality impairment, they soon became recognized as the first potential opportunity for landscape-scale habitat restoration worldwide. In 1988, I initiated a longitudinal study in the southern prairie pothole region, the glaciated terrain in Minnesota, adjacent Iowa and South Dakota that once was a complex of tallgrass prairie and freshwater wetlands, now predominantly corn. This study tracked 64 restored wetlands for 19 years following the removal of drain tile. From this study, completed and published in 2008, we determined that:(1) most vegetation change occurs in the first decade, with little new species accumulation afterward, (2) invasive species have led to a state of arrested succession with little prospect that these restorations will be similar to natural counterparts in the landscape. These results are allowing us to gain specific insights that will aid in optimizing a network of restorations so plant species can migrate from their existing locations in remnant natural areas in response to climate change. In addition, we will understand the extent to which certain species chosen to be the founding community can either facilitate or hinder others from establishing. With increasing size of restoration, there is a tendency to introduce fewer species to launch the restoration, so developing an effective "founder strategy" is crucial to large-scale restoration.

Publications

• Iannone, B. and S. Galatowitsch. 2008. Altering light and soil N to limit Phalaris arundinacea reinvasion in sedge meadow restoration. Restoration Ecology 16: 689-701.
• Iannone, B., S. Galatowitsch, and C. Rosen. 2008. Evaluation of resource-limiting strategies intended to prevent Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass) invasions) in restored sedge meadows. Ecoscience 15: In Press.
• Aronson, M. and S. Galatowitsch. 2008. Long-term vegetation development of restored prairie pothole wetlands. Wetlands 28: 883-895.
• Maki, K. and S. Galatowitsch. 2008. Cold tolerance of axillary turions of two biotypes of Hydrilla and northern water milfoil. Journal of Aquatic Plant Management 46: 42-50.
• Adams, C. and S. Galatowitsch. 2008. The transition from invasive species control to native species promotion and its dependence on seed density thresholds. Applied Vegetation Science 11: 129-136.
• Galatowitsch, S. 2008. Seedling establishment in restored ecosystems. Chapter 15 in Seedling Ecology and Evolution. M. Leck and T. Parker (Ed). Cambridge Press.

Progress 01/01/07 to 12/31/07

Outputs
We are focusing on several related projects that should advance our understanding of how to adequately plan and pursue landscape-scale restoration in the Midwestern US. Specifically, this project will: 1) synthesize information on the long-term success of prairie pothole wetland restorations pursued in agricultural landscapes, 2) apply the insights from this long-term study to a newly initiated large-scale restoration effort on the Upper Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, and 3) consider the extent to which local seed availability should constrain large-scale prairie restoration by exploring the importance of seed source distance to regeneration traits. In this first year of the study, results of our long-term studies on prairie pothole restoration have been disseminated through several talks to the general public and to in-state professional groups, such as the Minnesota Chapter of the Wildlife Society. Our work on large river restoration is closely coupled to the National Wildlife Refuge system. To launch this project we conducted a multi-day workshop for refuge biologists to communicate the current knowledge on invasive species removal and riverine restoration and to refine aims of the study. A second workshop is planned for spring, 2008.

Impacts
In the mid-1980's, approximately 1.6 million acres of grasslands and wetlands were planted/restored in the midcontinental US under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) of the 1985 Food Security Act and similar state programs, such as Reinvest-In-Minnesota (RIM). Much of this land was, however, planted to a few non-native grasses or cultivars as a cost-effective means of soil erosion. While these programs initially were motivated by concerns over soil loss and water quality impairment, they soon became recognized as the first potential opportunity for landscape-scale habitat restoration worldwide. Confidence was so high at the start of CRP and RIM that agencies opted not to commit resources to systematic ecological monitoring. Insights from CRP primarily have come from individual researchers who studied particular aspects of the recovery of these ecosystems. In 1988, I initiated a longitudinal study in the southern prairie pothole region, the glaciated terrain in Minnesota and adjacent Iowa and South Dakota that once was a complex of tallgrass prairie and freshwater wetlands, now predominantly corn. This study has tracked 64 restored wetlands and adjacent grasslands (all new projects in '88) and is thought to be the largest and longest running. Field surveys of all sites were conducted in 1, 2, 3, 5, 12, and 19 years following removing the drainage tile. This last survey was conducted in 2007. Revegetation patterns over the first 12 years led us to predict that many restorations were in a state of "arrested succession", that is, unlikely to continue to recovery, even though they are very dissimilar to their unaltered counterparts. The growth of a few aggressive species, including some that were deliberately planted, as well as the inefficiency of unplanted, native species to immigrate from remnant natural areas appear to be primary factors contributing to stalled recovery. Preliminary analysis suggests that our prediction was accurate: the rate of accumulation of new species was negligible between years 12-19. We also predicted that restorations proximate to natural areas will continue to accumulate new species via immigration. It does not appear now that this is the case. These results are allowing us to gain specific insights that will aid in optimizing a network of restorations so plant species can migrate from their existing locations in remnant natural areas in response to climate change. In addition, we will understand the extent to which certain species chosen to be the founding community can either facilitate or hinder others from establishing. With increasing size of restoration, there is a tendency to introduce fewer species to launch the restoration; so developing an effective "founder strategy" is crucial to large-scale restoration.

Publications

• Reinhardt-Adams, C. and S. Galatowitsch. 2007. The transition from invasive species control to native species establishment: When is it safe to seed? Applied Vegetation Science. In Press.
• Kettenring, K.* and S. Galatowitsch. 2007. Temperature requirements for dormancy break and seed germination vary greatly among 14 wetland Carex species. Aquatic Botany 87: 209-220.
• Kettenring, K.* and S. Galatowitsch. 2007. Tools for Carex revegetation in freshwater wetlands: understanding dormancy loss and germination temperature requirements. Plant Ecology 193: 157-169.
• Richardson, D.M., P.M. Holmes, K.J. Eisler, S.M. Galatowitsch, J.C. Stromberg, S.P. Kirkman, P. Pysek, and R.J. Hobbs. 2007. Riparian vegetation: degradation, alien plant invasions, and restoration prospects. Diversity and Distributions 13: 126-139.

Progress 01/01/06 to 12/31/06

Outputs
Developing effective restoration strategies depends on an ability to predict rates and outcomes of ecosystem recovery via natural processes and determine how best to intervene to stimulate recovery. In restorations of wetlands in the midcontinental US, native sedge meadow species often exhibit very long lag times to re-establishment unless they are planted. We completed a comprehensive study of limitations to sedge (Carex) establishment in 2006. This study demonstrated that sedge re-establishment is dispersal, not germination limited. Our studies of Carex seed ecology found that members of this genus vary tremendously in responses to temperature in dormancy-breaking and to light as a germination cue. These data will help guide the development of successful seeding strategies. Since invasive species, especially Phalaris arundinacea, often spread aggressively in newly restored sedge meadows, we have also been investigating ways to limit this spread and encourage the growth of newly seeded native species. Based on previous studies, reducing light and nitrogen are possible strategies to favor sedges over Phalaris. A field experiment completed in 2006 suggests that even though carbon amendments result in a relatively short-term reduction in N-levels, they can shift the competitive outcome at least for two years. Using cover crops to reduce light-levels is counterproductive, since establishment of sedges is affected at least as much as that of Phalaris.

Impacts
We are interested to know what techniques and approaches are required to restore sedge meadows, one of the most common kinds of wetlands in the northern US. Howe best to conduct these restorations in an economically feasible manner is crucial to implementation of state and federal wetland protection laws, which frequently resort to mitigation.

Publications

• Galatowitsch, S.M. 2006. Restoring prairie pothole wetlands: does the species pool concept offer decision-making guidance for revegetation? Applied Vegetation Science. In Press.
• Kettenring, K., G. Gardner, and S. Galatowitsch. 2006. Effects of light on seed germination of eight wetland Carex species. Annals of Botany (In Press, On line).
• Perry, L.G. and S.M. Galatowitsch. 2006. Light competition for invasive species control: a model of cover crop - weed competition and implications for Phalaris arundinacea control in sedge meadow wetlands. Euphytica 148: 121-134.
• Reinhardt, C.H. and S.M. Galatowitsch. 2006. Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass): rapid growth and growth patterns in conditions approximating restored wetlands. Ecoscience 12: 569-573.

Progress 01/01/05 to 12/31/05

Outputs
The objective of this research project is to generate the knowledge needed to assess, effectively intervene, and evaluate success for some of the most common kinds of wetlands in Minnesota. Our efforts to work out how to intervene effectively to complement natural processes have focused on revegetation of sedge meadows, one of the most common kinds of Minnesota wetlands. Based on my past work and that of others, we know that typical restoration techniques easily reverse degradation of some kinds of wetlands but not others. In Minnesota, for example, emergent marshes are relatively resilient whereas sedge meadows are not. We are interested in know what techniques and approaches are required to successfully restore sedge meadows. Unlike many other species of wetland plants that quickly recolonize after hydrology is re-established, sedges (members of the genus Carex) do not recolonize isolated wetland restorations. This is likely due to limited dispersal of water-borne seeds in fragmented agricultural landscapes, depletion of the seedbank that occurs after many years under cultivation, and because the majority of wetland basins in the agricultural midwest are restored simply by reestablishing hydrology and are not planted or seeded. Because Phalaris arundinacaea, an invasive perennial grass, typically colonizes early and rapidly spreads, colonization of less efficient taxa such as Carex is likely preempted. We have been studying whether Carex recolonization is limited by dispersal or dispersal. We conducted move-along germination studies of 12 taxa and field comparisons of germination in restored vs natural wetlands. These studies have shown that germination rates of Carex spp. are actually higher in restored wetlands. Extensive seed trapping studies, in contrast, have not detected any seed dispersal into restored wetlands. The results are very clear: dispersal not germination is limiting meadow recolonization. This past year, we also initiated studies to understand how to promote rapid community establishment from seed when Phalaris competition is important. We are evaluating the use of cover crop mixes as well as soil impoverishment.

Impacts
We are interested to know what techniques and approaches are required to restore sedge meadows, one of the most common kinds of wetlands in the northern US. Howe best to conduct these restorations in an economically feasible manner is crucial to implementation of state and federal wetland protection laws, which frequently resort to mitigation.

Publications

• Miklovic, L.G.* and S.M. Galatowitsch. 2005. Effects of NaCl and Typha angustifolia on marsh community establishment: a greenhouse study. Wetlands 25: 420-429.
• Galatowitsch, S.M. and D.M. Richardson. 2005. Riparian scrub recovery after clearing of invasive alien trees in headwater streams of the Western Cape, South Africa. Biological Conservation. 122: 509-521.

Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04

Outputs
Efforts to work out how to intervene effectively to complement natural processes have focused on revegetation of sedge meadows, one of the most common kinds of Minnesota wetlands. We know that typical restoration techniques easily reverse degradation of some kinds of wetlands but not others. Sedge meadow wetlands were abundant in number and extent in the mid-continental United States prior to agricultural development, but have been impacted more by conversion and drainage than deeper-water wetlands. Unlike many other species of wetland plants that quickly recolonize after hydrology is re-established, sedges (members of the genus Carex) do not recolonize isolated wetland restorations (Galatowitsch and van der Valk 1996). This is likely due to limited dispersal of water-borne seeds in fragmented agricultural landscapes, depletion of the seedbank that occurs after many years under cultivation, and because the majority of wetland basins in the agricultural midwest are restored simply by reestablishing hydrology and are not planted or seeded. Because Phalaris arundinacea, an invasive perennial grass, typically colonizes early and rapidly spreads, colonization of less efficient taxa such as Carex is likely preempted. This past year, we completed a study that showed fall herbicide application to be a more efficient control strategy than spring herbicide application and/or burning for Phalaris control. Herbicide efficacy is related to carbohydrate translocation, as predicted. Our studies of Carex seed ecology completed this past year have shown that germination rates of Carex spp. are actually higher in restored wetlands. Extensive seed trapping studies, in contrast, have not detected any seed dispersal into restored wetlands. The results are very clear: dispersal not germination is limiting meadow recolonization. An intensive study of Spring Peeper Meadow (at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum) is addressing two aspects of wetland restoration: 1) To what extent does revegetation (planting) stimulate ecosystem recovery in restored wetlands? and 2) What are the most efficient revegetation techniques for meadow/marsh restoration? We are periodically measuring changes in vegetation, birds, amphibians, hydrology, water chemistry, and soil nutrients. In 2004, we completed vegetation surveys to assess revegetation patterns after 8 years of restoration. We will compare this data set to that collected after 4 years, as well as to the original planting mix in the coming year.

Impacts
We are interested to know what techniques and approaches are required to restored sedge meadows, one of the most common kinds of wetlands in the northern US. How best to conduct these restorations in an economically feasible manner is crucial to implementation of state and federal wetland protection laws, which frequently resort to mitigation.

Publications

• Budelsky, R.A. and S.M. Galatowitsch. 2004. Establishment of Carex stricta seedlings in experimental wetlands with implications for restoration. Plant Ecology 175: 91-105.
• Maki, K.G. and S.M. Galatowitsch. 2004. Movement of invasive aquatic plants into Minnesota (USA) through horticultural trade. Biological Conservation 118: 389-396.
• Perry, L.G., S.M. Galatowitsch, and C.J. Rosen. 2004. Competitive control of invasive vegetation: a native wetland sedge suppresses Phalaris arundinacea in carbon-enriched soil. Journal of Applied Ecology 41: 151-162.
• Perry, L.G. and S.M Galatowitsch. 2004. The influence of light availability on competition between Phalaris arundinacea and a native wetland sedge. Plant Ecology 170: 73-81.

Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03

Outputs
The objective of this research project is to generate the knowledge needed to assess, effectively intervene, and evaluate success for some of the most common kinds of wetlands in Minnesota. We have learned that typical wetland restoration techniques easily reverse degradation of some kinds of wetlands, but not others. Sedge meadwows are particularly difficult to restore because indigenous plants establish slowly and because an invasive grass, Phalaris arundinacea, colonizes early and spreads rapidly. We have been conducting field experiments to improve the effectiveness of Phalaris control techniques. It appears that fall herbicide application is a more efficient control strategy than spring herbicide application and/or burning. We are also conducting experiments on the seed ecology of Carex spp. (the dominant indigenous genera of sedge meadows). These studies have shown that germination rates of Carex are actually higher in restored wetlands than natural wetlands. Seed trapping studies, in contrast, have not detected any seed dispersal into restored wetlands. These results are very clear: dispersal not germination is limiting meadow recolonization.

Impacts
We are interested to know what techniques and approaches are required to restored sedge meadows, one of the most common kinds of wetlands in the northern US. How best to conduct these restorations in an economically feasible manner is crucial to implementation of state and federal wetland protection laws, which frequently resort to mitigation.

Publications

• Mulhouse, J.M. and S.M. Galatowitsch. 2003. Revegetation of prairie pothole wetlands in the midcontinental US: twelve years post-reflooding. Plant Ecology 169: 143-159.
• Perry, L.G. and S.M. Galatowitsch. 2003. The influence of annual cover crops on Phalaris arundinacea invasion in restored sedge meadow wetlands. Restoration Ecology 11: 297-307.

Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02

Outputs
We restored a 6 ha wetland to explore vegetation establishment as affected by propagule type and planting elevation. Practices used were typical of those across temperate North America, although not limited by commercial plant availability or adequacy of site preparation or aftercare. We analyzed patterns 4 years post-flooding. Seeding and planting had the intended effect of immediately accelerating the re-accumulation of wetland plant species: approximately 40-50% of the species present in the wet prairie and sedge meadow and 80% of those in the emergent marsh were planted or seeded. However, the extent to which introduction of plants and seeds will affect community composition in the long-term is unknown. Most species (76%) were represented by few individuals and thus may be prone to high rates of extinction. Water elevations have been above those predicted for the restoration, so secondary dispersal was likely key to seeding success: nearly all species were redistributed to elevations beyond where they were introduced. Upward redistribution was more likely than downward movement. Planted species within the emergent zone were adversely affected by overflooding, although six of ten species established better from transplants than seeds. These results suggest strategies for seeding and planting differ for restorations with uncertain hydrology: seeding should be extended to lower elevations while transplants should be installed at higher elevations than the predicted normal elevation. Seeding is an effective regeneration mode unless seed quantity and/or establishment is limited.

Impacts
If wetlands used for water quality improvement or stormwater detention are more invasible by reed canary grass, then the prevailing assumption that wetlands can be restored to maximize multiple societal values is faulty. To achieve multiple benefits, separate restorations would need to be pursued for water quality/stormwater and biodiversity functions.

Publications

• Green, E. K. and S.M. Galatowitsch. 2002. Effects of Phalaris arundinacea and nitrate-N addition on wetland plant community establishment. Journal of Applied Ecology 39: 134-144.

Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01

Outputs
Vegetation establishment in restored wetlands is often severely limited by invasive perennial species. Revegetation of sedge meadows, in particular, seems to be particularly vulnerable to invasive preemption. Our analysis of 64 wetlands in MN, SD, and IA restored 12 years previous, showed that nearly one-third have been converted to other uses in the past 9 years. On the remaining sites, Phalaris arundinacea (reed canary grass) is present on every site, often at a cover exceeding 75%. However, sedge meadow forbs have had a high colonization rate during this 9 yr period. Likewise, in a controlled field experiment, we found that Phalaris replaces a few dominant grasses or sedges rather than reducing overall species richness. The competitive outcome between Phalaris and Carex hystericina differs across a gradient of nitrogen availability.

Impacts
If wetlands used for water quality improvement or stormwater detention are more invasible by reed canary grass, then the prevailing assumption that wetlands can be restored to maximize multiple societal values is faulty. To achieve multiple benefits, separate restorations would need to be pursued for water quality/stormwater and biodiversity functions.

Publications

• Mayer, P. and S. Galatowitsch. 2001. Assessing the biological integrity of restored prairie wetlands from ecosystem function-diversity relationships. Hydrobiologia 443 91/3): 177-185.
• Green, E.K. and S.M. Galatowitsch. 2001. Effects of Phalaris arundinacea and nitrate-N addition on wetland plant community establishment. Journal of Applied Ecology (in press).
• Bohnen, J. and S.M. Galatowitsch. 2001 Restoration of wetland plant communities. Chapter 18, p. 187-206, In R. Rader, D. Batzer, and S.Wissinger (Ed.). Biomonitoring and Management of North American Freshwater Wetlands. John Wiley and Sons, NY.
• Green, E.K. and S.M. Galatowitsch. 2001. Differences in wetland plant community establishment with additions of nitrate-N and invasive competitors. Canadian Journal of Botany 79: 170-178.
• Lehtinen, R.M. and S.M. Galatowitsch. 2001. Colonization of restored wetlands by amphibians in Minnesota. American Midland Naturalist 145: 388-396.

Progress 01/01/00 to 12/31/00

Outputs
Sedge meadows in restored wetlands may develop slowly if sites were not preempted by reed canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea). Anecdotal observations suggest that invasions into sedge meadows are increasing and are especially prevalent in sites that have been disturbed. Reed canary grass is an improved forage grass. Its invasive potential has not been explored though frequently observed. In a 2000 survey of 43 wetlands in MN, SD, and IA restored 11 years ago, reed canary grass colonized more new sites and exhibited the greatest increases in abundance of any native or introduced species. The likelihood of invasion by reed canary grass may increase with land disturbance, especially nutrient runoff and stormwater attenuation. We conducted nitrogen and light competition experiments in the greenhouse between reed canary grass and Carex hystericina. Preliminary results suggest that nitrogen additions favor reed canary grass, while impoverishment reduces its competitive advantage. In field and greenhouse studies of the effects of reed canary grass on sedge meadow vegetation (10 species) with nitrate additions, low doses of nitrates (10 ppm) stimulate reed canary grass growth disproportionately with respect to other species in the community. Studies were begun this past year to determine how best to eradicate reed canary grass during site preparation for restoration. These experiments will consider timing and combinations of burning and herbicide as variables that affect control effectiveness.

Impacts
If wetlands used for water quality improvement or stormwater detention are more invasible by reed canary grass, then the prevailing assumption that wetlands can be restored to maximize multiple societal values is faulty. To achieve multiple benefits, separate restorations would need to be pursued for water quality/stormwater and biodiversity functions.

Publications

• Green, E.K. and S.M. Galatowitsch. 2000. Differences in wetland plant community establishment with additions of nitrate-N and invasive species (Phalaris arundinacea and Typha x glauca). Canadian Journal of Botany. (In press).
• Budelsky, R. and S. M. Galatowitsch. 2000. Effects of water regime and competition on the establishment of a native sedge, Carex lacustris, in restored wetlands. Journal of Applied Ecology. (In press).

Progress 01/01/99 to 12/31/99

Outputs
The objective of this project is to generate the knowledge needed to assess, effectively intervene, and evaluate success for some of the most common kinds of wetlands in Minnesota. We initiated a long-term intensive study on twelve wetland restorations to determine the extent to which planting stimulates ecosystem recovery in wetlands. Thus far, restoration success has been governed by the level of vegetation management (i.e., invasive species control) and hydrologic regimes (whether stormwater impacts are significant). We are also conducting studies to understand the invasive potential of reed canary grass in restored wetlands. A recently completed field study showed that reed canary grass has a disproportionate increase in growth compared to native sedge meadow species with nitrate additions at levels comparable to tile flows from agricultural fields.

Impacts
If wetlands used for water quality improvement or stormwater detention are more invasible, then the prevailing assumption that wetlands can be restored to maximize multiple values is faulty. These results are essential for mitigation planning. The results from our long-term study are needed to suggest how best to ensure that wetland restorations actually succeed in the long-term.

Publications

• Mayer, P. and S. Galatowitsch. 1999. Assessing biological integrity of restored prairie wetlands from ecosystem function-diversity relationships. Wetlands 19: 765-774.
• Galatowitsch, S.M., NO Anderson, and P.A. Ascher. 1999. Invasiveness in wetland plants of temperate North America. Wetlands 19: 733-755.
• Galatowitsch, S.M., D.C. Whited, R.M. Lehtinen, J. Husveth, and K. Schik. 1999. The vegetation of wet meadows in relation to their land use. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 60: 121-144.
• Detenbeck, N., S.M. Galatowitsch, J. Atkinson, and H. Ball. 1999. Evaluating perturbations and developing restoration strategies for inland wetlands in the Great Lakes Basin. Wetlands 19: 789-820.
• Galatowitsch, S.M., D.C. Whited, and J.R. Tester. 1999. Development of community metrics to evaluate recovery in Minnesota wetlands. Journal of Aquatic Ecosystem Stress and Recovery 6: 213-234.
• Bohnen, J., S. Galatowitsch, and P. Olin. 1999. Horticultural practices in sedge meadow restoration. p. 177-184 In Springer, JT (Ed.) Proceedings of the 16th North American Prairie Conference. University of Nebraska at Kearney.
• Galatowitsch, S.M., R. Budelsky, and L. Yetka. 1999. Revegetation strategies for northern temperate glacial marshes nad meadows. p. 225-241 IN Streever, W.J. (Ed.). An international perspective on wetland rehabilitation. Kluwer Academic Publisher.
• Yetka, LA and SM Galatowitsch. 1999. Factors affecting revegetation of Carex lacustris and C. stricta from rhizomes. Restoration Ecology 7: 162-171.
• Budelsky, RA and S.M. Galatowitsch. 1999. Effects of moisture, temperature, and time on seed germination of five wetland sedges: implications for restoration. Restoration Ecology 7: 86-97.
• Geist, C. and S.M. Galatowitsch. 1999. A reciprocal model for meeting ecological and human needs in restoration projects. Conservation Biology 13: 970-979.
• Lehtinen, R., S.M. Galatowitsch, and J.R. Tester. 1999. Consequences of habitat loss and fragmentation for wetland amphibian assemblages. Wetlands 19: 1-12.

Progress 01/01/98 to 12/31/98

Outputs
The objective of this project is to generate the knowledge needed to assess, effectively intervene, and evaluate success for some of the most common kinds of wetlands in Minnesota. To understand how land use affects wetland condition, we are observing the impacts of various land uses on plant and animal communities because these impacts are poorly understood. We quantified land use-biota relationships for wetlands that range from highly degraded to minimally altered across the state. We found amphibian species richness to be lower with greater wetland isolation and road density in glacial marshes. For vegetation, site impacts and landscape disturbance coincide with a reduction in native graminoid and herbaceous perennial abundance. Our efforts to work out how to intervene effectively to complement natural processes have focussed on revegetation of sedge meadows, one of the most common kinds of Minnesota wetlands. We found that Carex lacustris and C. lacustris are more affected by overflooding than drying. We also found that rhizomatous sedges have higher establishment success than tussock sedge when established from rhizomes. We To develop approaches for evaluation of wetland recovery, we have begun long-term investigations comparing restored and similar natural wetlands. This study will also be important in the long term for determining if planted restorations differ from those that rely on natural recolonization in the long-term.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• Galatowitsch, S.M., J.R. Tester, and D.C. Whited. 1998. Development of community metrics to evaluate recovery in Minnesota wetlands. Journal of Aquatic Ecosystem Stress and Recovery.
• Bohnen, J., S. Galatowitsch, and P. Olin. 1998. Horticultural practices in sedge meadow restoration. Proceedings of the 16th North American Prairie Conference, University of Nebraska.
• Galatowitsch, S.M., R. Budelsky, and L. Yetka. 1998. Revegetation strategies for northern temperate glacial marshes and meadows. In Streever, W.J. (ed.), An International Perspective on Wetland Rehabilitation. Kluwer Academic Publishers.
• Detenbeck, N., S. Galatowitsch, H. Ball, and J. Atkinson. 1998. Evaluating perturbations and developing restoration strategies for inland wetlands in the Great Lakes Basin. Wetlands.
• Galatowitsch, S.G., N.O. Anderson, P.D. Ascher. 1998. Invasiveness in wetland plants in temperate North America. Wetlands.
• Budelsky, R.A. and S.M. Galatowitsch. 1998. Effects of moisture, temperature and time on seed germination of five wetland Carices: implications for restoration. Restoration Ecology.
• Yetka, L.A. and S.M. Galatowitsch. 1998. Factors affecting revegetation Carex lacustris Willd. and Carex stricta Lam. from rhizomes. Restoration Ecology.
• Lehtinen, R.M., S.M. Galatowitsch, and J.R. Tester. 1998. Consequences of habitat loss and fragmentation for wetland amphibian assemblages. Wetlands (In press).
• Galatowitsch, S.M., D.C. Whited, R.M. Lehtinen, J. Husveth, and K.Schik. 1998. The vegetation of wet meadows in relation to their land use. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment (In press).
• Galatowitsch, S.M. 1998. Ecological design for environmental problem solving. Landscape Journal. Special Issue: Eco-revelatory design: nature constructed/nature revealed. p. 99-107.
• Galatowitsch, S.M. and L.A. Biederman. 1998. Seed banks of temporarily flooded Carex meadows and implications for restoration. International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 24: 253-270.
• Mensing, D.M., S.M. Galatowitsch, and J.R. Tester. 1998. Anthropogenic effects on the biodiversity of riparian wetlands of a northern temperate landscape. Journal of Environmental Management 53: 349-377.
• Galatowitsch, S.M., A.G. van der Valk, and R.A. Budelsky. 1998. Decision-making for prairie wetland restorations. Great Plains Research 8: 137-156.
• Van Gaal, T., S.M. Galatowitsch, and M. Strefeler. 1998. Ecological consequences of hybridization between a wild species (Echinacea purpurea) and a related cultivar (E. purpurea 'White Swan'). Scientia Horticulturae 76: 73-88.

Progress 01/01/97 to 12/31/97

Outputs
We are studying factors affecting wetland restoration success at two scales: detailed experiments on revegetation within a few wetlands and large-scale observational studies of many wetlands. An experimental wetland complex at the Horticultural Research Center allowed us to evaluate revegetation success of Carex stricta and Carex lacustris along elevational gradients under different water regimes. Studies completed in 1997 show that rhizomes have a much narrower acceptable range of water depth during establishment than do seedlings. Overall, rhizome mortality is greater than seedling mortality. Rhizome transplant success was greatest for spring-planted Carex lacustris in saturated to shallowly flooded areas. Fall planting generally fails. While seedlings can be successfully transplanted over a broad range of hydrologic conditions, our studies showed that competition by Phalaris arundinacea can prevent establishment. Studies were initiated in the greenhouse and field in 1997 to assess whether annual cover crops can suppress Phalaris sufficiently to allow slower growing sedges to establish and whether reducing seed bank densities of Phalaris to a low level is an important aspect of site preparation. A long-term study was also initiated to evaluate the effects of planting and hydrology on wetland ecosystem recovery. Parameters to be measured include plant and animal indicators that were identified from a study of 120 Minnesota wetlands that was completed in 1997.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• DETENBECK, N., S. GALATOWITSCH, H. BALL, and J. ATKINSON. Accepted. Evaluating perturbations and developing restoration strategies for inland wetlands in the Great Lakes Basin. Wetlands.
• GALATOWITSCH, S.G., N.O. ANDERSON P.D. ASCHER. Accepted. Invasiveness in wetland plants in temperate North America. Wetlands.
• GALATOWITSCH, S.M. and L.A. BIEDERMAN. Accepted. Seed banks of temporarily flooded Carex meadows and implications for restoration. In review. International Journal of Ecology and Environmental
• GALATOWITSCH, S.M., D.C. WHITED, R.M. LEHTINENN, J. HUSVETH, and K. SCHIK. The vegetation of wet meadows in relation to their land use. Biological Conservation, In review.
• BUDELSKY, R.A. and S.M. GALATOWITSCH. Implications of seed storage practices to revegetation success for five wetland Carices.
• MENSING, D.M., S.M. GALATOWITSCH, and J.R. TESTER. Anthropogenic effects on the biodiversity of riparian wetlands of a northern temperate landscape. Journal of Environmental Management.

Progress 01/01/96 to 12/30/96

Outputs
We are studying factors that affect wetland restoration success at two scales: detailed experiments on revegetation within a few wetlands and large-scale observational studies of many wetlands. An experimental wetland complex at the Horticultural Research Center allows us to evaluate revegetation success of Carex stricta and Carex lacustris along elevational gradients under different water regimes. 1996 studies showed that establishment of seedlings occurs over a broader elevational range than does establishment of rhizomes. In addition, rhizomes do not form tillers during the first year while seedlings do. Studies of Carex seedlings and perennial weeds have shown that optimal Carex growth occurs at higher elevations in the absence of weeds than in their presence. Seedbank studies of wet meadows were completed during 1996 and showed that Carex-dominated wetlands have considerably less seedbank than do other kinds of wetlands. So, natural recolonization by seed during restoration is less likely for Carex meadows than other wetlands. Planting will likely be necessary for revegetation. A large meadow (10 acres) was restored in 1996 to expand these studies to look at plant community recovery after hydrology is restored. Efforts are continuing to establish a statewide reference wetland system to study long term trends of wetland recovery in different landscape contexts and to develop assessment techniques.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• DETENBECK, N., S. GALATOWITSCH, H. BALL, and J. ATKINSON. Evaluating perturbations and developing restoration strategies for inland wetlands in the Great Lakes Basin. Submitted, In review, Wetlands.
• GALATOWITSCH, S.M., N.O. ANDERSON, and P.D. ASCHER. Invasiveness in wetland plants in temperate North America. Submitted, In review, Wetlands.
• GALATOWITSCH, S.M. and L.A. BIEDERMAN. Seed banks of temporarily flooded Carex meadows and implications for restoration. Submitted, In review, International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences.

Progress 01/01/95 to 12/30/95

Outputs
The overall goal of this project is to investigate the factors that affect wetland restoration success and develop this information into methods to improve restoration practices. We are particularly interested in differences in colonization ability that we have observed among different plant guilds in restored wetlands. Some important differences between these guilds are likely reproductive output, seedbank longevity, dispersal mode, and water depth preference. A seedbank study suggests that sedge meadow seeds are present but at lower abundance than emergents. We are also studying how seedling and rhizome establishment in Carex lacustris and Carex stricta is affected by water level elevation, fluctuation, and surface soil condition. Observations from 1995 suggest that rhizomes have a much narrower acceptable range of water depth during establishment than do seedlings. We suspect that sedge meadows may be especially hard to establish because of wetting and drying cycles along shorelines. Fluctuating soil-water conditions may also make wetland margins susceptible to invasion by Phalaris arundinacea. We are conducting a controlled invasion of Phalaris under varying water regimes and cover removal in nine exising wetlands. Summer water drawdown and canopy removal appear to be primary factors that trigger Phalaris invasion. Efforts are underway to establish a statewide reference wetland system to study long-term trends of wetland recovery. During the 1995 field season, 120 sites were selected.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• NO PUBLICATIONS REPORTED THIS PERIOD.

Progress 01/01/94 to 12/30/94

Outputs
The goal of this project is to investigate the factors affecting wetland restoration success and to develop this information into methods to improve restoration practices. Several studies were initiated in 1994 in existing wetlands and in a newly constructed experimental wetland complex. We are interested in differences in colonization ability observed among different plant guilds in restored wetlands. Submersed and emergent aquatics readily recolonize restored wetlands whereas sedge meadow species do not. Some important differences between these guilds are reproductive output, seedbank longevity, dispersal mode, and water depth preference. We are testing the idea that sedge meadow plants lack long-lived seedbanks common to other aquatic plants. We are conducting germination assays and direct counts of seedbank samples from 12 natural wetlands. We have also begun experiments to determine how seed and rhizome establishment are affected by water level elevation, fluctation, and surface soil condition. We suspect that sedge meadows may be especially hard to establish because of wetting and drying cycles along shorelines. Fluctuating soil-water conditions may also make wetland margins susceptible to invasion of Phalaris arundinacea. We are conducting a controlled invasion of Phalaris under varying water regimes and cover removal in existing wetlands.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

• NO PUBLICATIONS REPORTED THIS PERIOD.