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Annapolis Watershed Salt Marsh Evaluation
Historically, extensive salt marshes covered the shores of the Annapolis Basin. Rich and diverse, these ecosystems contributed to the overall health of the Annapolis Basin and the adjacent Bay of Fundy in a number of ways. Salt marshes are incredibly productive environments and provide many services, such as:
  • Fuelling complex food chains in the Basin and the Bay with extensive vegetative communities.
  • Protecting against erosion and storm surge
  • Improving water quality by filtering out toxins and excess nutrients
  • Providing important habitat for both terrestrial and aquatic species, including migratory birds and important fish species
  • Numerous studies place the value of each hectare of an estuary between $5,792 - $ 24,330 per year.

Several hundred years of development in the area have resulted in many of the salt marshes along the Annapolis Basin being destroyed or altered. Large portions of marshland were dyked for agricultural use and fragmented by roads and railways. The construction of a large causeway at Annapolis Royal also greatly influenced salt marshes on the upper reaches of the estuary.

The last remaining salt marsh of any significance in the Annapolis Basin is located on the Allain's River, and covers an area of approximately 83 hectares.

The Clean Annapolis River Project undertook the Annapolis Watershed Salt Marsh Evaluation Project based on protocols from similar projects conducted by the Ecology Action Centre (EAC) and in New England.

The goal of the project was to identify and evaluate existing tidal barriers to salt marshes in and around the Annapolis Basin. A total of 27 salt marsh sites, including 20 aboiteaux and culvert barriers, were evaluated during the summer and autumn of 2005. A shortlist of potential restoration sites was identified and a restoration plan was developed for two priority sites.

Poorly sized and/or improperly placed culverts tidally restrict many areas, such as sections of Allain's River Marsh in Annapolis Royal and the Little Joggins near Digby. Fortunately, many restoration options such as the removal of the culvert and placement of a larger culvert or small bridge can restore proper tidal flushing and therefore important biological functions to the area. Sites such as French Basin Marsh and the section of Allain's River Marsh in Allain's Creek require the removal of dyke or aboiteau to restore tidal flushing. All the information collected over the course of the project will serve as a baseline for future salt marsh restoration efforts.

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