Case study:Noard-Fryslân Bûtendyks Managed Realignment Scheme: Difference between revisions

From RESTORE
Jump to navigation Jump to search
No edit summary
No edit summary
Line 14: Line 14:
|Project summary=In order to implement this scheme, and buy the majority of the Noard-Fryslân Bûtendyks summer polder complex, the NGO It Fryske Gea obtained funding from the EU LIFE nature programme(some €4.5million), and match (and additional) funding from the Dutch Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management, the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and the Province of Friesland. WWF and It Fryske Gea raised €0.5million. The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality handled the land purchase. The objective was to transform a summer polder into a grazable saltmarsh – a semi-natural landscape with high vegetation diversity and as many (natural salt marsh) plant and animal species as possible. Most of the summer polder complex is to be realigned in stages over the 50 years or so (300ha are still in private hands, as the farmer did not want to sell). It Fryske Gea has decided on this staged approach as the summer polder complex is an important feeding ground for geese, and as a realigned polder takes a few years to develop goose-preferred vegetation; this approach will ensure relatively small amounts of feeding grounds are temporarily unavailable at any one time. The next stage, which will be implemented over the next 5 years, will amount to some 200ha (personal communication).
|Project summary=In order to implement this scheme, and buy the majority of the Noard-Fryslân Bûtendyks summer polder complex, the NGO It Fryske Gea obtained funding from the EU LIFE nature programme(some €4.5million), and match (and additional) funding from the Dutch Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management, the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and the Province of Friesland. WWF and It Fryske Gea raised €0.5million. The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality handled the land purchase. The objective was to transform a summer polder into a grazable saltmarsh – a semi-natural landscape with high vegetation diversity and as many (natural salt marsh) plant and animal species as possible. Most of the summer polder complex is to be realigned in stages over the 50 years or so (300ha are still in private hands, as the farmer did not want to sell). It Fryske Gea has decided on this staged approach as the summer polder complex is an important feeding ground for geese, and as a realigned polder takes a few years to develop goose-preferred vegetation; this approach will ensure relatively small amounts of feeding grounds are temporarily unavailable at any one time. The next stage, which will be implemented over the next 5 years, will amount to some 200ha (personal communication).
|Monitoring surveys and results=An intensive monitoring programme investigated a range of factors, including salinsation, sedimentation, creek development, vegetation and birds (van Duin et al., 2007).
|Monitoring surveys and results=An intensive monitoring programme investigated a range of factors, including salinsation, sedimentation, creek development, vegetation and birds (van Duin et al., 2007).
|Lessons learn=Van Duin et al. (2007) concluded that to date, the realignment had been successful, although the site was obviously still evolving. They attributed the relatively rapid success of the scheme to a number of (environmental and management) boundary conditions having been fulfilled at the same time – namely its appropriate position in the tidal frame, sediment availability, tidal exchange, drainage, closeness to target plant species, and grazing management.
 
Salinisation: The report firstly concluded that salinisation of the upper soil layer had been slower than expected.
Van Duin et al. (2007) concluded that to date, the realignment had been successful, although the site was obviously still evolving. They attributed the relatively rapid success of the scheme to a number of (environmental and management) boundary conditions having been fulfilled at the same time – namely its appropriate position in the tidal frame, sediment availability, tidal exchange, drainage, closeness to target plant species, and grazing management.
By the end of the monitoring period, salinity was still 30% below that of the reference saltmarsh (with increases most pronounced in the first year; plateauing in the third or following years after ‘de-polderisation’). No increased saline influence could be measured in the adjoining summer polder (in some parts fresh water influence actually increased).
 
Accretion: Sediment accretion in the (higher) easterly part of the restoration site was greater than in the westerly part; average accretion at elevations above 1.5mNAP was 6mm/year and 14.8mm/year below, i.e. rates were higher at the lower levels. Whether this was solely due to the lower elevation or whether it was caused by other factors (e.g. a greater transport of sediment from the saltmarsh due to creek shape) was not clear. No evidence was found that the sediment accretion in the restoration site had been at the cost of adjacent saltmarshes. On the basis of the site’s elevation, it was expected that saltmarsh vegetation would develop throughout the entire site. There were some localised issues with stagnated drainage resulting in infilling of the creeks or cessation of the connection with the excavated creek systems. The excavated, over-dimensioned, creeks had become shorter and shallower (due to sediment accretion), and some of the silted up sections had
'''Salinisation''': The report firstly concluded that salinisation of the upper soil layer had been slower than expected. By the end of the monitoring period, salinity was still 30% below that of the reference saltmarsh (with increases most pronounced in the first year; plateauing in the third or following years after ‘de-polderisation’). No increased saline influence could be measured in the adjoining summer polder (in some parts fresh water influence actually increased).
become colonised by pioneer species. The accretion rates were approximately 38% lower where grazing occurred as compared to non-
 
grazed reference areas. Other noted effects of grazing were that it led to higher biodiversity, the colonisation of sea couch (Elytrigia atherica); to a slightly drier, more compact and saline upper soil layer; and lastly to slight positive effects on chloride concentrations in the soil.
'''Accretion''': Sediment accretion in the (higher) easterly part of the restoration site was greater than in the westerly part; average accretion at elevations above 1.5mNAP was 6mm/year and 14.8mm/year below, i.e. rates were higher at the lower levels. Whether this was solely due to the lower elevation or whether it was caused by other factors (e.g. a greater transport of sediment from the saltmarsh due to creek shape) was not clear. No evidence was found that the sediment accretion in the restoration site had been at the cost of adjacent saltmarshes. On the basis of the site’s elevation, it was expected that saltmarsh vegetation would develop throughout the entire site. There were some localised issues with stagnated drainage resulting in infilling of the creeks or cessation of the connection with the excavated creek systems. The excavated, over-dimensioned, creeks had become shorter and shallower (due to sediment accretion), and some of the silted up sections had
Vegetation: Halophytes quickly settled in the lower parts of the polder (~0.3m above MHT), whilst in the higher parts (~0.6m above MHT) changes were more gradual. In lower lying parts, salt marsh has developed well, dominated by Suaeda maritima and Salicornia europea. These pioneer species are slowly being replaced by more grassy vegetation (Puccinellia maritima).
become colonised by pioneer species. The accretion rates were approximately 38% lower where grazing occurred as compared to non-grazed reference areas. Other noted effects of grazing were that it led to higher biodiversity, the colonisation of sea couch (''Elytrigia atherica''); to a slightly drier, more compact and saline upper soil layer; and lastly to slight positive effects on chloride concentrations in the soil.
Brent Geese: Autumnal geese grazing has to date been significantly lower than on existing salt marshes. In the first season following the realignment, there was however a substantial increase. The expectation is that through an increase of grassy vegetation in the polder, the number will slowly increase. The use of the farm land behind the main dike by geese stayed low, although there was a slight increase in brent geese, in line with an overall population increase (farmers had expressed fears
 
that geese would be displaced and start grazing on their crops, due to generally lower grazing densities on saltmarshes when compared with summer polders (NB: summer polder would be classed as coastal grazing marsh in the UK)). No significant change in the breeding bird populations was observed.
'''Vegetation''': Halophytes quickly settled in the lower parts of the polder (~0.3m above MHT), whilst in the higher parts (~0.6m above MHT) changes were more gradual. In lower lying parts, salt marsh has developed well, dominated by Suaeda maritima and Salicornia europea. These pioneer species are slowly being replaced by more grassy vegetation (''Puccinellia maritima'').
 
'''Brent Geese''': Autumnal geese grazing has to date been significantly lower than on existing salt marshes. In the first season following the realignment, there was however a substantial increase. The expectation is that through an increase of grassy vegetation in the polder, the number will slowly increase. The use of the farm land behind the main dike by geese stayed low, although there was a slight increase in brent geese, in line with an overall population increase (farmers had expressed fears that geese would be displaced and start grazing on their crops, due to generally lower grazing densities on saltmarshes when compared with summer polders (NB: summer polder would be classed as coastal grazing marsh in the UK)). No significant change in the breeding bird populations was observed.
}}
}}
{{Image gallery}}
{{Image gallery}}

Revision as of 17:38, 2 January 2014

0.00
(0 votes)


To discuss or comment on this case study, please use the discussion page.


Location: 53° 20' 16.44" N, 5° 44' 18.86" E
Loading map...
Left click to look around in the map, and use the wheel of your mouse to zoom in and out.


Project overview

Edit project overview
Status Complete
Project web site
Themes Habitat and biodiversity
Country Netherlands
Main contact forename Susanne
Main contact surname Armstrong
Main contact user ID
Contact organisation
Contact organisation web site
Partner organisations
Parent multi-site project
This is a parent project
encompassing the following
projects
No
This case study hasn’t got a picture, you can add one by editing the project overview.

Project summary

Edit project overview to modify the project summary.


In order to implement this scheme, and buy the majority of the Noard-Fryslân Bûtendyks summer polder complex, the NGO It Fryske Gea obtained funding from the EU LIFE nature programme(some €4.5million), and match (and additional) funding from the Dutch Directorate-General for Public Works and Water Management, the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality and the Province of Friesland. WWF and It Fryske Gea raised €0.5million. The Dutch Ministry of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality handled the land purchase. The objective was to transform a summer polder into a grazable saltmarsh – a semi-natural landscape with high vegetation diversity and as many (natural salt marsh) plant and animal species as possible. Most of the summer polder complex is to be realigned in stages over the 50 years or so (300ha are still in private hands, as the farmer did not want to sell). It Fryske Gea has decided on this staged approach as the summer polder complex is an important feeding ground for geese, and as a realigned polder takes a few years to develop goose-preferred vegetation; this approach will ensure relatively small amounts of feeding grounds are temporarily unavailable at any one time. The next stage, which will be implemented over the next 5 years, will amount to some 200ha (personal communication).

Monitoring surveys and results

Edit project overview to modify the Monitoring survey and results.


An intensive monitoring programme investigated a range of factors, including salinsation, sedimentation, creek development, vegetation and birds (van Duin et al., 2007).

Van Duin et al. (2007) concluded that to date, the realignment had been successful, although the site was obviously still evolving. They attributed the relatively rapid success of the scheme to a number of (environmental and management) boundary conditions having been fulfilled at the same time – namely its appropriate position in the tidal frame, sediment availability, tidal exchange, drainage, closeness to target plant species, and grazing management.

Salinisation: The report firstly concluded that salinisation of the upper soil layer had been slower than expected. By the end of the monitoring period, salinity was still 30% below that of the reference saltmarsh (with increases most pronounced in the first year; plateauing in the third or following years after ‘de-polderisation’). No increased saline influence could be measured in the adjoining summer polder (in some parts fresh water influence actually increased).

Accretion: Sediment accretion in the (higher) easterly part of the restoration site was greater than in the westerly part; average accretion at elevations above 1.5mNAP was 6mm/year and 14.8mm/year below, i.e. rates were higher at the lower levels. Whether this was solely due to the lower elevation or whether it was caused by other factors (e.g. a greater transport of sediment from the saltmarsh due to creek shape) was not clear. No evidence was found that the sediment accretion in the restoration site had been at the cost of adjacent saltmarshes. On the basis of the site’s elevation, it was expected that saltmarsh vegetation would develop throughout the entire site. There were some localised issues with stagnated drainage resulting in infilling of the creeks or cessation of the connection with the excavated creek systems. The excavated, over-dimensioned, creeks had become shorter and shallower (due to sediment accretion), and some of the silted up sections had become colonised by pioneer species. The accretion rates were approximately 38% lower where grazing occurred as compared to non-grazed reference areas. Other noted effects of grazing were that it led to higher biodiversity, the colonisation of sea couch (Elytrigia atherica); to a slightly drier, more compact and saline upper soil layer; and lastly to slight positive effects on chloride concentrations in the soil.

Vegetation: Halophytes quickly settled in the lower parts of the polder (~0.3m above MHT), whilst in the higher parts (~0.6m above MHT) changes were more gradual. In lower lying parts, salt marsh has developed well, dominated by Suaeda maritima and Salicornia europea. These pioneer species are slowly being replaced by more grassy vegetation (Puccinellia maritima).

Brent Geese: Autumnal geese grazing has to date been significantly lower than on existing salt marshes. In the first season following the realignment, there was however a substantial increase. The expectation is that through an increase of grassy vegetation in the polder, the number will slowly increase. The use of the farm land behind the main dike by geese stayed low, although there was a slight increase in brent geese, in line with an overall population increase (farmers had expressed fears that geese would be displaced and start grazing on their crops, due to generally lower grazing densities on saltmarshes when compared with summer polders (NB: summer polder would be classed as coastal grazing marsh in the UK)). No significant change in the breeding bird populations was observed.

Lessons learnt

This case study hasn’t got any lessons learnt, you can add some by editing the project overview.


Image gallery


ShowHideAdditionalImage.png


Catchment and subcatchment



Site

Name Mainland coast of Friesland (opposite Island of Ameland)
WFD water body codes
WFD (national) typology
WFD water body name
Pre-project morphology
Reference morphology
Desired post project morphology
Heavily modified water body No
National/international site designation
Local/regional site designations
Protected species present No
Invasive species present No
Species of interest
Dominant hydrology
Dominant substrate
River corridor land use Pasture
Average bankfull channel width category
Average bankfull channel width (m)
Average bankfull channel depth category
Average bankfull channel depth (m)
Mean discharge category
Mean annual discharge (m3/s)
Average channel gradient category
Average channel gradient
Average unit stream power (W/m2)


Project background

Reach length directly affected (m)
Project started
Works started
Works completed
Project completed
Total cost category 1000 - 5000 k€
Total cost (k€) 5,0005,000 k€ <br />5,000,000 € <br />
Benefit to cost ratio
Funding sources

Cost for project phases

Phase cost category cost exact (k€) Lead organisation Contact forename Contact surname
Investigation and design
Stakeholder engagement and communication
Works and works supervision
Post-project management and maintenance
Monitoring

Supplementary funding information

The Noorderleech realignment cost some €600,000 in total – €2,000 of which were spent on permits, and €20,000 on plan production. It Fryske Gea alone spent at least 5,000 man-hours on implementing the scheme.



Reasons for river restoration

Mitigation of a pressure
Hydromorphology
Biology
Physico-chemical
Other reasons for the project


Measures

Structural measures
Bank/bed modifications
Floodplain / River corridor
Planform / Channel pattern
Other
Non-structural measures
Management interventions
Social measures (incl. engagement)
Other


Monitoring

Hydromorphological quality elements

Element When monitored Type of monitoring Control site used Result
Before measures After measures Qualitative Quantitative

Biological quality elements

Element When monitored Type of monitoring Control site used Result
Before measures After measures Qualitative Quantitative

Physico-chemical quality elements

Element When monitored Type of monitoring Control site used Result
Before measures After measures Qualitative Quantitative

Any other monitoring, e.g. social, economic

Element When monitored Type of monitoring Control site used Result
Before measures After measures Qualitative Quantitative


Monitoring documents



Additional documents and videos


Additional links and references

Link Description

Supplementary Information

Edit Supplementary Information