Intent & Purpose

Ditch Restoration
Ditch Restoration

Wetlands restoration is an integral part of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan. Restoration of degraded wetland areas consists of selectively clearing brush and removing debris from drainage systems to restore historical flow patterns. This can be accomplished with hand tools such as rakes, clippers and chain saws or may require more extensive restoration using a specially designed, low ground pressure (3 psi or less) excavator or other mechanized equipment.

Restoration of wetland areas reduces or often eliminates the need for periodic applications of pesticides to control the larval mosquito. Data collection during larval applications and other field observations help to determine the scope of a restoration project. The Project becomes aware of potential restoration projects through resident or town official requests, CMMCP field technician observations and data collections, or follow up on past restoration projects. The Wetlands Project Coordinator will investigate the site to see if the area will benefit from restoration, and if so, will determine the scope of the project.

It is our goal to reduce the amount of stagnant water in the restoration area, reducing the area to soil saturation, with less than 5,000 sq. ft. of impact to bordering vegetated wetland (BVW). Maintaining the area at soil saturation will encourage the present vegetation to remain, but will eliminate mosquito breeding.

Wetlands restoration work focuses on those areas that have historic flow patterns and were maintained by local farmers or municipal personnel in the past. Limited wetland restoration work may be done by hand only in natural areas where debris blockage creates a significant health problem.

Restoration work is not typically conducted in true or established wetlands, defined as wetland habitat forming through natural means (natural streams, rivers, ponds, swamps), or existing for several years and providing flood control, water quality improvements or valuable habitat.

Any flooding or creation of wetlands by beavers will only be considered on a limited case-by-case basis and will require a significant level of support and cooperation from the town.

Mechanized equipment used by CMMCP in wetlands use a special hydraulic fluid (Chevron Clarity® Hydraulic Oil AW ISO 46) that is zinc-free and formulated to meet or exceed the performance requirements of conventional anti-wear fluids, while providing an additional level of environmental safety. This hydraulic fluid is inherently biodegradable and passes the EPA's acute aquatic toxicity (LC-50) test, and has substantially better oxidation stability than other conventional hydraulic fluids.