Habitat restoration, Research, Resilience and risk mitigation
Home based & Serving Coastal NWRs

States

Maine

Ecosystem

Coastal

Subject

Marshes

Who We Are

The Land Management Research & Demonstration (LMRD) program focuses on innovative assessment, restoration techniques, 
research, and education. Southern Maine is characterized by arching sandy beaches, back barrier salt marshes, and riverine estuaries with fringing salt marshes. Salt marshes provide vital ecosystem services including wildlife diversity, flood control, shoreline protection, and marine fisheries support.

Partnerships

Achievements

  • Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve
  • Salt Marsh Adaptation & Resiliency Teams (SMARTeams)
  • Local Communities
  • State of Maine Coastal Program & Geological Survey
  • USGS
  • Education Centers (UNE, UNH, Bates College, Eagle Hill Institute)
  • MCHT
  • MNRCP
  • Land Trusts
  • NPS
  • Creating new tools for assessment, management, and restoration.
  • Gaining recognition from national organizations:
    • New England Estuarine Research Society (NEERS)
    • Restore America's Estuaries (RAE)
    • Gulf of Maine Council on Marine Environment

Salt Marsh Restoration Innovation & Techniques

  • Working with SMARTeams
  • Identify impacts of agricultural alterations from 1700s-1800s
  • Use insights for innovative approaches to address sea level rise and enhance 
    elevation growth.
  • Implement a 4-Tiered Design Approach: Halt subsidence, Optimize elevation, Design for wildlife, Long-term management
  • Develop low-cost salt marsh salt marsh
    Salt marshes are found in tidal areas near the coast, where freshwater mixes with saltwater.

    Learn more about salt marsh     restoration techniques for:
    • Restore single channel hydrology
    • Non-herbicidal treatment for Phragmites
    • Ditch plug remediation
Two researchers use a large basket-like net to look for small, free swimming marine organisms in the marsh.
Image Details

Challenges

  • Working with communities to
    • Find eco-friendly solutions for low lying coastal roads from sea level rise and increased storm severity
    • Plan for marsh migration
  • Obtaining funding for seasonal and temporary technicians who are cost-efficient multipliers for executing most projects.

Contact Information

Dr. Susan C. Adamowicz
susan_adamowicz@fws.gov
(207) 770-5627
Rachel Carson NWR
321 Port Road Wells, ME 04090

Facilities

Little River at Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1966 in cooperation with the State of Maine to protect valuable salt marshes and estuaries for migratory birds. Located along 50 miles of coastline in York and Cumberland counties, the refuge consists of 11 divisions between Kittery and Cape...
National Wildlife Refuge
Wells,ME