Abstract
The Baduwa’t is a river in Humboldt County, California that has been adversely impacted by agricultural operations. Disturbances from agriculture have altered the surrounding ecosystems and hydrology of the river. The conservation stewardship group, California Trout, initiated a collaborative restoration project that created a new channel and off-channel pond to provide habitat for salmonids and other native fish in the estuary. As an extension of this project, sections of the site underwent revegetation efforts. The survivorship rates of this new vegetation were lower than anticipated and we were asked by California Trout to assess if the elevation on the site could be influencing plant success rates. To determine if proximity to groundwater through elevation was the cause, we assessed plant statuses and compared them to an elevation map utilizing ArcGIS Pro. After comparing the results, we did not find any clear correlation between elevation and plant success. We then compiled a list of potential recommendations such as mulching, the use of mycorrhizae, the influence of canopy cover, shelterwood, and various planting methods.
Date
Spring 2024
Department
Environmental Science & Management
Concentration/Emphasis
Elevation/Plant Success
Advisor/Professor
Daniel Lipe
Citation Style
APA 7
Included in
Environmental Health and Protection Commons, Environmental Monitoring Commons, Natural Resources and Conservation Commons, Other Environmental Sciences Commons