NORTH MAUMEE BAY COASTAL WETLAND RESTORATION AND ENHANCEMENT

NATIONAL COASTAL WETLAND CONSERVATION

GRANT PROPOSAL FOR THE PERIOD: MARCH 1, 2009 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2011

MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES

SUBMITTED: FRIDAY, JUNE 27, 2008 IN PARTNERSHIP WITH: THE NATURE CONSERVANCY IN MICHIGAN DUCKS UNLIMITED, INC. ERIE SHOOTING AND FISHING CLUB TABLE OF CONTENTS

PROJECT STATEMENT: Wetland restoration and enhancement within the Erie Marsh Preserve in Lake Erie’s North Maumee Bay...... 3 SUMMARY:...... 3 PROJECT AREA:...... 5 NEED:...... 8 OBJECTIVES:...... 13 Objective 1. Wetland Restoration...... 13 Objective 2. Wetland Enhancement ...... 13 Objective 3. Wetland Protection...... 13 Objective 4. Estuary Restoration Planning...... 13 Objective 5. Education and Outreach...... 13 EXPECTED RESULTS OR BENEFITS: ...... 13 1. Wetlands conservation...... 14 2. Maritime forests on coastal barriers ...... 14 3. Long-term conservation...... 14 4. Coastal watershed management ...... 15 5. Conservation of threatened and endangered species ...... 16 6. Benefits to fish...... 17 7. Benefits to coastal-dependent or migratory birds ...... 18 8. Prevent or reduce contamination...... 20 9. Catalyst for future conservation ...... 20 10. Partners in conservation...... 22 11. Federal share reduced ...... 22 12. Education/outreach program or wildlife-oriented recreation...... 22 13. Other factors ...... 23 APPROACH: ...... 23 Approach 1. Wetland Restoration...... 23 Approach 2. Wetland Enhancement ...... 24 Approach 3. Wetland Protection...... 24 Approach 4. Estuary Restoration Planning...... 25 Approach 5. Education and Outreach...... 26 LOCATION:...... 26 ESTIMATED COST:...... 26 PROJECT PERSONNEL: ...... 27 REFERENCES AND LITERATURE CITED: ...... 28 APPENDIX A: Changes in the Woodtick Peninsula and North Maumee Bay from 1940 to 2003...... 29 APPENDIX B: Architectural design drawing for entire wetland restoration/enhancement project within the Erie Marsh Preserve...... 32 APPENDIX C: Summary Information for Ranking National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program Proposals ...... 34 APPENDIX D: Partner Letters of Support...... 46

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 2 of 46 PROJECT STATEMENT: Wetland restoration and enhancement within the Erie Marsh Preserve in Lake Erie’s North Maumee Bay.

SUMMARY:

This proposal supports the restoration and enhancement of coastal wetlands in North Maumee Bay of Lake Erie. The restoration and enhancement sites are part of The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Erie Marsh Preserve in Erie Township of Monroe County, Michigan. This project will also protect the restoration and enhancement areas for the purposes of providing coastal wetlands in perpetuity. This project will be completed through a conservation partnership of The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), TNC, Ducks Unlimited (DU) and the Erie Shooting and Fishing Club.

North Maumee Bay was historically a wetland complex of shrub swamp, emergent marsh and wet prairie separated from the open water of Lake Erie by what is now called the Woodtick Peninsula. This ten square mile bay has lost more than 85% of its historic wetlands. Most of the few remaining wetlands occur within the perimeter dike of the 990-acre Erie Marsh Preserve. The majority of the bay has been scoured of wetlands as sediment deposition has been reduced because of watershed developments and dams while the bay has been subjected to the erosive forces of wind and waves.

As the amount of wetland in North Maumee Bay decreased over the years, so too did suitable habitat for fish and wildlife species. The coastal wetlands of Lake Erie are important stopover, feeding and nesting sites for thousands of migratory birds and are used year round. Single species of birds such as Black Ducks can number more than 50,000 individuals and there are nearly 100 different species that also frequent the area.

The coastal wetlands in this area provide spawning and nursery habitat, forage and cover for several different species of Great Lakes fish. Eighty percent of Great Lakes fish species use coastal wetlands at some point in their lifecycle. Coastal wetlands like Maumee Bay also serve as habitat for a multitude of reptiles, amphibians and mammals. With so many different species dependent on coastal wetlands and less than 10% of coastal wetlands in Lake Erie remaining, protecting, restoring and enhancing areas like North Maumee Bay are needed to sustain the areas biodiversity.

Through this proposal, a system of new interior dikes along with a water distribution canal and new bi-direction pump system will be used to restore and enhance coastal wetlands. Four management units will be established within the preserve that will restore 263 acres of palustrine emergent and palustrine scrub-shrub wetlands to what is now agricultural fields and phragmites (Phragmites australis, a.k.a. common reed grass) dominated wet areas. Additionally, a 310-acre unit will have improved water management capabilities that will enhance 159 acres of palustrine emergent wetlands. Additionally, TNC will use the value of these lands as partial match for this proposal. As a result, these lands will be protected in perpetuity by a notice of property restriction filed against the title to the lands. This restriction will document the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s (US FWS) interest in the property and require the property to be used for the purposes of protecting and enhancing coastal wetlands.

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 3 of 46 This proposal supports the initial phase of wetland restoration and enhancement at the preserve. This project will also catalyze a final phase to complete the remaining five management units resulting in the entire 990-acre preserve consisting of restored and enhanced coastal wetlands.

This proposal follows a previously successful National Coastal Wetlands Conservation (NCWC) grant to acquire 132 acres along the bay. Both the previous grant and the current proposal are part of and catalyzing a larger effort to restore the ten square mile North Maumee Bay into an estuary with a mix of coastal wetlands and shallow water submergent wetlands. The estuary restoration is a multi-year, multi-phase project to restore systems and functions to western Lake Erie as part of an ecosystem management effort with landscape level affects.

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 4 of 46 PROJECT AREA:

The site proposed for coastal wetland enhancement and restoration is within the North Maumee Bay Project Area, a ten square mile region on the western end of Lake Erie in Michigan just north of the Ohio state line (Figure 1). Barrier islands and sand spits, most notably the Woodtick Peninsula, form the eastern side of the bay. This project area was initially established under a successful NCWC grant to acquire 132 acres of land to be owned and managed by MDNR as part of the Erie State Game Area. The ultimate goal for this project area is to complete a large- scale estuary restoration in North Maumee Bay. Because of the size and complexity of the estuary restoration, this proposal covers a single phase of a larger project.

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0.5 0 0.5 1 Miles N Figure 1: Location map showing the North Maumee Bay Project Area. The bay is bordered on the east by the Woodtick Peninsula. Imagery is from false-color infrared aerial photography taken in spring 1999.

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 5 of 46 Before European colonization, the bay did not contain any open water habitats. Records from General Land Office surveyors from circa 1800 show everything to the west of what is now called the Woodtick Peninsula was a mixture of shrub swamp, emergent marsh and wet prairie with small amounts of hardwood forested swamp and beech-sugar maple forest (Figure 2). This wetland complex developed because it was sheltered from the erosive forces of waves and storms on Lake Erie by coastal barrier islands including the Woodtick Peninsula. Behind these barrier islands, sediments were deposited from the many rivers feeding into the bay.

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0.5 0 0.5 1 Miles N Figure 2: Historic land cover types from circa 1800 in North Maumee Bay. Areas were mapped by General Land Office surveyors; data converted to digital format by Michigan Natural Features Inventory (from Enander, H., Unpl. Data). What is now the Woodtick Peninsula on the eastern border of the bay was originally a broad area of wet prairie.

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 6 of 46 Because there was no open water, the lands within the bay were meted out into private ownership by the French in the early 1700s. Through subsequent wars and treaties, these lands remained in distinct ownership that survives to the present. All Great Lakes bottomlands, with the exception of North Maumee Bay, are held and managed in the public trust. The bottomlands of North Maumee Bay, however, retain titled ownership, the rights to which can be bought and sold. Along with this distinction, the waters within the bay are treated differently than the rest of Lake Erie. All waters west of the Woodtick Peninsula follow inland fishing and hunting regulations.

Fortunately, the vast majority of the bottomlands within the bay are owned by the conservation partners participating in this proposal (Figure 3). A small portion at the very north end of the

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Acquisition 0.5 0 0.5 1 Miles N Figure 3: Conservation ownership within the project area. The lake bottom in each shaded area is owned by the respective landowner. Note the pending parcel acquisition in the southwest corner of the project area.

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 7 of 46 bay is currently owned by Consumers Energy. In addition to the bottomlands, MDNR owns a considerable amount of lands surrounding the bay. MDNR is currently negotiating with the landowner of the last remaining large parcel of land along the bay; funding was provided through a successful NCWC grant in 2008 to acquire the 132-acre Hemmelgarn parcel.

NEED:

With heavy industrialization of the watershed in this urban matrix over the past 150 years, North Maumee Bay has become sediment starved (J. Robison pers. comm). All of the major rivers feeding the bay have been dammed upstream for flood control and hydroelectric power generation. Additionally, extensive armoring of shorelines in the tributaries and the bay decreased sediment loads feeding into the bay. Coupled with increased dredging and heavy boat traffic, the estuary within this bay, once an expansive emergent wetland and wet prairie, has become predominantly open water (Figure 4). Over the decades, wind and wave erosion along with cyclic high water periods have breached the Woodtick Peninsula. The loss of protection along the Woodtick, along with reduced sediment loads, has resulted in the bay being scoured into an empty bowl devoid of rooted vegetation with the exception of the impounded wetlands on what is now TNC’s Erie Marsh Preserve.

Using the National Wetlands Inventory data as the current condition within the project area (Figure 4) and comparing to the circa 1800 vegetation (Figure 2), nearly 86% of now nationally declining types of wetlands have been lost. These changes are detailed in the following table:

Historic Project Area c. 1800 Land Cover Percent Acres Status Shrub Swamp/Emergent 54.5% 3,479 Nationally Declining Marsh Wet Prairie 40.2% 2,565 Nationally Declining Mixed Hardwood Swamp 3.2% 207 Nationally Declining Beech-Sugar Maple 1.8% 116 Stable or Other Forest Lake/River 0.3% 19 Stable or Other Totals 100.0% 6,386 Current Project Area NWI Classification Percent Acres Status Open Water 66.5% 4,245 Stable or Other Uplands 18.7% 1,194 Stable or Other Palustrine-Emergent 11.1% 708 Nationally Declining Palustrine-Forested 2.5% 158 Nationally Declining Unconsolidated Bottom 0.7% 46 Stable or Other Palustrine-Scrub-Shrub 0.5% 31 Nationally Declining Beach/Bar 0.1% 3 Stable or Other Totals 100.0% 6,386

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 8 of 46 Change in Wetland Percent Lost Historic Acres Current Acres Status Nationally Declining 85.6% 6,248 897

Because the bay was nearly entirely vegetated, this wetland loss has fundamentally altered the function and importance of the bay to Lake Erie. Habitats for benthic invertebrates that form the basis of aquatic food webs have been severely degraded. Spawning and nursery habitat for native fish species in Lake Erie have been lost. The lost ability to absorb nutrients by wetland vegetation has altered cycling of these nutrients as they enter Lake Erie. Resultant algae blooms and associated decomposition of algae have negatively affected water chemistry in western Lake

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0.5 0 0.5 1 Miles N Figure 4: NWI Wetland delineations within the North Maumee Bay project area. The thin strips of unclassified lands in the center of the project area are dikes and remaining barrier islands.

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 9 of 46 Erie. Although still providing habitat for migrating waterfowl, the bay has orders of magnitude fewer birds then those present in pre-settlement times. Wading and shorebirds have also seen the loss and degradation of stopover feeding sites along their migratory routes through the bay.

In order to restore wetlands in this sediment-starved bay, areas protected from the erosive forces of wind and water must be artificially provided. TNC’s Erie Marsh Preserve was originally acquired by the Erie Shooting and Fishing Club in 1870 (Figure 5). By the 1940s, the club recognized the need to protect the area from the erosive forces already transforming the rest of the bay. Consequently, the perimeter dike that now forms the boundary of TNC’s Erie Marsh Preserve and some internal dikes were constructed. Through this project, a water delivery system and a two-way pump will replace existing structures (Figure 6) and allow managers greater flexibility in maintaining desired water levels in individual units. This will enhance the current dike Figure 5: Original Erie Shooting Club sign on a storage building on system, help control non-native TNC property. species and provide greater diversity of coastal wetland habitats. The existing pump system cannot be used to dewater the area, it can only be used to pump water into the southern portion of the preserve. Water can only be drained by gravity when water levels in the bay are lower than the impounded water. Originally installed in the 1950s, the pump system has exceeded its useful life and can no longer efficiently serve its intended purpose.

The Erie Shooting and Fishing Club has a long-term lease of the waterfowl hunting rights in the TNC Erie Marsh Preserve. As part of their lease, the club works with TNC on management of the lands within the perimeter dikes. In addition to cropping more than Figure 6: Existing pump facility near the southwest corner of the TNC 200 acres, the club has been action area.

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 10 of 46 controlling the invasive phragmites through aerial application of herbicide. With cooperation and technical assistance from DU, 250 acres were treated in 2005 and 95 acres in 2007 (Figure 7). TNC has also completed additional treatments of phragmites in the Widgeon Hole Unit of the Erie Marsh Preserve.

Phragmites Treatments

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0.2500.25Miles N Figure 7: Current conditions in TNC’s Erie Marsh Preserve. The cropped fields are being maintained with drainage ditches and tiles to support grain crops to provide foraging and resting cover.

For the phragmites control to be effective in the long term, however, the conservation partners must have the ability to manipulate water levels. Drawdowns are needed to conduct prescribed fires on treated areas and subsequent re-flooding is necessary to drown invading clones. The existing perimeter dikes and pump system cannot effectively achieve these management needs. Much of the dense stands of phragmites are in the northern portion of the preserve. Currently,

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 11 of 46 the only way to flood these areas is to pump water into the southern unit while creating openings in the eastern cross dike (Figure 7). Because of the elevation changes, however, it is impossible to move the amount of water necessary to the northern portion. Also, to achieve desirable water levels in the northern portion the southern portion would have to be flooded, resulting in a subsequent loss of wetlands. Similarly, large areas must be drained to allow for prescribed fires on previously treated phragmites stands. This can only be achieved by opening water control structures on the southern side of the perimeter dike and breaching sections of the eastern cross dike when water levels outside the perimeter dike permit. With the current one-way pump system, the wetlands in the southern portion would have to be sacrificed for efficient control of phragmites in the northern portion.

A new pump system is needed that allows for bi-directional pumping to assist in water level management. Additionally, a system of interior dikes is needed to replace drainage ditches to restore emergent and shrub-scrub wetlands on currently cropped fields. As a result of this project, the 200 acres of currently cropped fields will be restored to a mixture of palustrine emergent and palustrine scrub-shrub wetlands. These interior dikes will create units within the preserve with little or no elevation gradients to allow for efficient control of phragmites in individual management units. Without this system, the club will continue to crop areas to prevent the spread of phragmites while providing waterfowl foraging and cover habitat.

This project includes construction of interior dikes, removal of tile and drainage ditches, construction of a water distribution canals, installation of a new bi-directional pump system and new water control structure. This work is needed to restore and enhance wetlands on more than half of the preserve; this project is not merely maintaining an existing area. TNC and the hunt club spend a combined $250,000 annually on managing these wetlands. Management includes phragmites control, planting and flooding of agricultural fields to attract waterfowl, dike maintenance and operation of small, portable water pumps for water drawdowns. The majority of this funding is derived from hunt club membership dues. This project will allow these monies to be used to manage, restore and enhance nationally declining wetlands as opposed to herbicide application and crop management. The hunt club members will have different, but still high quality, waterfowl hunting opportunities and are committed to assisting in this and future projects.

The Erie Marsh Preserve provides a novel opportunity to restore and enhance coastal wetlands. Almost counter intuitively, a managed system with dikes, water control structures and bi- directional pumping capabilities is required to provide wetlands within North Maumee Bay. Without this “managed” system, the area within the perimeter dikes would become open water habitat similar to the rest of North Maumee Bay as the perimeter dikes erode and ultimately fail. Additionally, this project provides a novel collection of conservation partners; TNC typically protects lands with natural systems providing habitat for rare biodiversity assemblages, DU is interested in wetland conservation for waterfowl and associated species management, the Erie Shooting and Fishing Club members have the objective of high quality waterfowl hunting and MDNR has a wide range of wildlife trust responsibilities. This project provides the potential to intersect the four partners’ diverse resource interests.

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 12 of 46 OBJECTIVES:

The overall goals of this project are to protect, enhance and restore coastal wetlands in North Maumee Bay. This proposal covers the first phase of wetland enhancement and restoration within the project area and addresses the project area goals with the following objectives:

Objective 1. Wetland Restoration

To restore 263 acres of coastal wetlands by facilitating wetland management within the TNC Erie Marsh Preserve by the end of the grant period.

Objective 2. Wetland Enhancement

To enhance 310 acres of coastal wetlands through improved water level control within the TNC Erie Marsh Preserve by the end of the grant period.

Objective 3. Wetland Protection

To encumber the property rights of the restored and enhanced acres by placing a notice of property restriction on the lands to allow only those activities designed to protect, restore, enhance and manage coastal wetlands in perpetuity.

Objective 4. Estuary Restoration Planning

To develop a broader stakeholder coalition to determine the feasibility, identify funding sources and plan for the subsequent phases of restoration in the estuary by the end of the grant period. Additionally, a cooperative management plan for the action area will be developed for long-term wetland management by the end of the grant period.

Objective 5. Education and Outreach

To develop and implement education and outreach program for the TNC Erie Marsh Preserve by the end of the grant period.

EXPECTED RESULTS OR BENEFITS:

This proposal supports the first phase of wetland restoration and enhancement within the Erie Marsh Preserve. Ducks Unlimited, in partnership with TNC, has already completed the engineering and design work for the entire restoration. When completed, the entire Erie Marsh Preserve will contain restored and enhanced wetlands separated into ten distinct management units. Central to the project design is a new bi-directional pumping system, water distribution canals and water control structures that will allow independent water level manipulation within each unit. The complete architectural design drawing is provided in Appendix 2.

This initial phase of the restoration and enhancement project will include the new pump system, a portion of the water distribution canal system and will restore wetlands in four of the management units while enhancing wetlands in one of the units (Figure 8). An explanation of how this project addresses the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program’s

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 13 of 46 fourteen ranking criteria established in 50 CFR 84 are provided as follows (additional information on the application of these ranking criteria to this proposal is provided in Appendix C):

1. Wetlands conservation

This grant will support the first phase of coastal wetland restoration and enhancement within the preserve. This phase will restore 157 acres of palustrine emergent and 105 acres of palustrine scrub-shrub wetlands within the Potters Cove, Mink Creek, Sulfur Springs and Secor’s Units (Figure 8). An additional 161 acres of palustrine-emergent vegetations will be enhanced within the Buckeye Basin Unit through improved abilities to manage water levels. No longer will water levels within Buckeye Basin need to be kept excessively high just to provide some water in the northern portions. As a result, 74% of the area will contain nationally declining wetland types when the work supported by this grant is completed. A summary of the wetland types that will be restored and enhanced is provided in the following table:

Site After Proposed Enhancement/Restoration NWI Classification Percent Acres Status Palustrine Emergent 55.5% 318 Nationally Declining Palustrine Scrub-Shrub 18.3% 105 Nationally Declining Palustrine Forested 0.2% 1 Nationally Declining Open Water 26.0% 149 Stable or Other Totals 100.0% 573 Status Summary Percent Acres Nationally Declining 74.0% 424 Stable or Other 26.0% 149 Totals 100.0% 573

2. Maritime forests on coastal barriers

This project does not contain any maritime forests as defined for the purposes of this grant program in 50 CFR 84.11.

3. Long-term conservation

This proposal will provide coastal wetland conservation benefits in perpetuity. Although the capital improvements have a relatively limited useful life of 30 years, TNC will place a notice of property restriction on their title to the entire 573 acres affected by the proposed activities. The notice will include US FWS’ interest in these lands and will only allow uses compatible with the intended use of the area to protect, enhance, restore, manage and maintain coastal wetlands. This property restriction will run with the title to the lands in perpetuity. Consequently, the partners are committing to maintaining the capital improvements as long as needed to manage these wetlands.

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 14 of 46 Proposed Restoration/Enhancement

Wetland Enhancement (310 acres) Current Crop Fields

Wetland Restoration (263 Acres) Emergent Following Enhancement

Water Distribution Canal #Y Water Control Structures ; Pump with Inlet/Outlet

# Secor's Unit 65 Acres

Water Distribution Canal Widgeon #Y #Y Hole Unit #Y 62 Acres #Y #Y #Y Potter's Cove Unit #Y Mink Creek Unit 44 Acres 92 Acres Buckeye ; # Basin Unit 310 Acres Pump and Inlet/outlet

0.2500.25Miles N Figure 8: Restoration and enhancement sites on the southern portion of the Erie Marsh Preserve. Although most of the Buckeye Basin Unit is currently open water, the project will result in the ability to lower water levels in this unit without affecting water levels in the other units.

4. Coastal watershed management

Wetland restoration and management on lands adjacent to the Erie State Game Area are consistent with the game area master plan developed by MDNR’s Wildlife Division. These activities also address restoration needs in the 15 year Detroit International Wildlife Refuge plan. Currently, the Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for the refuge calls for 40% of all land within the bounds of the refuge to be protected by easements or cooperative agreements. North Maumee Bay is within the refuge project boundary and completion of this wetland restoration and enhancement project addresses goals within the CCP.

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 15 of 46 The activities supported by this grant fall within DU’s Lake Erie Watershed Focus Area and are included by DU in their International Conservation Plan. In addition, the grant supported activities fall within a primary focus area of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan as detailed in the 1998 Implementation plan for the Upper Mississippi River and Great Lakes Region Joint Venture.

Under the Michigan Shorelands Protection and Management Act (Part 323, PA 451), North Maumee Bay is designated as an Environmental Area. This designation recognizes the area as critical fish and wildlife habitat and prohibits the use of state funds in planning or implementing development. Habitat loss and degradation is listed as one of the top three stressors that must be addressed to restore Lake Erie in the Lake Erie Lakewide Management Plan (LaMP) developed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This project specifically addresses the plan goal to protect high quality habitats and restore degraded habitats.

This project will also contribute to restoring and protecting critical shorebird habitats identified by the Western Hemispheric Shorebird Reserve Network. Additionally, this project will protect and enhance habitat as called for in the Bald Eagle Recovery Plan for the United States and Canada.

The Erie Marsh Preserves lies between the two major metropolitan areas of Detroit, Michigan and Toledo, Ohio. Conservation projects along western Lake Erie’s shoreline must compete with industrial, agricultural, commercial and residential/recreational interests. Because of this competition, any conservation project will have a high intrinsic value because it will provide benefits to many species that would otherwise find the area unsuitable. Despite the competition for land resources, this proposal will help contribute to a string of conservation projects along western Lake Erie in Michigan and Ohio (Figure 9).

5. Conservation of threatened and endangered species

The proposed wetland restoration and enhancement will benefit both state and federally listed threatened and endangered species. An active Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nest occurs on the eastern side of the perimeter dike that contains some mature cottonwood trees (Populus deltoids) and young produced in this nest are banded by US FWS. In addition to nesting habitat, the restored and enhanced wetlands, along with some residual open water, will provide foraging areas for eagles and Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus - state threatened). The is an active Osprey nest one mile north of the preserve on Consumers Power property. The Eastern fox snake (Elaphe gloydi - state threatened) is known from the site and documented in a habitat use study conducted by Putnam (2008). The results of this proposal will provide additional year- round habitat for these snakes.

Additionally, occurrences of several other state listed species from the bay have been documented within the Michigan Natural Features Inventory database. Species present that will benefit from the proposed restoration and enhancement include cornsalad (Valerianella umbilicata - threatened), Fescue sedge (Carex festucacea - special concern), Missouri rockcress (Arabis missouriensis - special concern), proud globe (Mesodon elevatus - special concern), Sullivant’s milkweed (Asclepias sullivantii - threatened) and round hickorynut (Obovaria subrotunda - endangered). Further, the following state listed species are known from Erie Marsh Preserve and all will benefit from the proposed habitat work: King Rail (Rallus elegans -

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 16 of 46 endangered), Marsh Wren (Cistothorus palustris - special concern), silver chub (Macrhybopsis storeriana - special concern), lake cress (Amoracia lacustris - threatened), water-willow (Justicia Americana - threatened), woodland lettuce (Lactuca floridana - threatened), American lotus (Nelumbo lutea - threatened), round-fruited St John’s-wort (Hypericum sphaerocarpum - threatened), Frank’s sedge (Carex frankii - special concern), swamp-rose mallow (Hibiscus moscheutos - special concern), arrowhead (Sagittaria montevidensis - threatened) and trailing wild bean (Strophostyles helvula - special concern).

6. Benefits to fish

The proposed restoration and enhancement supported by this proposal is not specifically designed to benefit fish species directly; all habitat work will occur within an existing perimeter dike. Fish movement is currently possible through the culverts and pump structures when they are opened as water levels allow. The proposed twin pumps do not include a fish passage structure. The new water control structures associated with the pumps, however, can allow for the passive transfer of water into and out of the wetlands when the pumps are not activated. At these times, the preserve is an open system, allowing the entry and exit of fish. These passive water transfers can be synchronized with the lifecycles of target fish species. The exotic invasive carp (Cyrprinus carpio) is present within the bay and a number of fish passage designs that also trap carp are being considered for future phases of restoration and enhancement in the Figure 9: Conservation and Recreation Land (CARL) projects along western preserve. The pump and Lake Erie in Michigan and Ohio.

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 17 of 46 water control structures to be built under this proposal will include fish grates sized to exclude adult carp while permitting the passage of target fish species. These types of grates have been successfully used in other coastal wetland restoration projects such as the Metzger Marsh in Ohio and Cootes Paradise in Hamilton, Ontario.

Once the entire restoration and enhancement project detailed in Appendix B is completed in subsequent phases, the Buckeye Basin Unit will retain pockets of water to 16 foot depths; sufficient to provide year-round fish habitat while avoiding winter kill. The restored and enhanced wetlands will be available for spawning and nursery habitat. About 80% of the approximately 200 fish species found in the Great Lakes use the nearshore areas for at least part of the year and directly depend on coastal wetlands for some part of their life cycle (Chow-Fraser and Albert 1999).

Coastal wetlands are an important component of fisheries habitat in western Lake Erie. The physical nature of these wetlands contributes to their biological value. The perimeter dikes at the Erie Marsh Preserve provide protection from wave energy with areas of shallow water. These protected shallow water areas warm quicker than open waters in the spring. This leads to increased productivity in protected wetlands versus open water habitat. Herdendorf (1987) found that phytoplankton production in western Lake Erie marshes is much higher than in offshore areas. These marshes tend to have a diversity of emergent and submergent vegetation. This vegetation provides structural heterogeneity that is particularly important as refugia for small fish, as well as providing substrate for invertebrates that are a source of food for fishes.

Because of the diverse nature of coastal wetlands, they support a diversity of fish species. In addition to providing a high level of species richness, wetlands contribute large numbers of sport, forage and commercial species to lake fisheries (Herdendorf 1987). This is especially important given that ten percent of original coastal marshes remain along Lake Erie (Herdendorf 1987).

An intensive fish survey was conducted in the North Maumee Bay during September 2005 (MDNR-Fisheries and US FWS). Results documented a diverse fish community (35 species), including a number of forage and game fish species that contribute to the Lake Erie fisheries. Although a variety of species were caught, this does not represent all the species that use coastal wetlands. The composition of the fish community, both abundance and diversity, shifts dramatically over the seasons (Stephenson 1990). Therefore, only a sub-sample of the fish species that use this area was likely detected.

7. Benefits to coastal-dependent or migratory birds

The coastal wetland enhancement and restoration supported by this grant will provide important habitat for coastal-dependent and migratory birds. In Monroe County, over 80% of the wetlands that once existed have been lost. Before these wetlands were lost, the North Maumee Bay Project Area provided habitat for the highest concentration of staging American Black Ducks (Anas rubripes) in North America, with an annual average peak of 51,500 birds. Southern James Bay Canada Geese (Branta Canadensis subspecies), Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), Greater and Lesser Scaup (Aythya marila and A. affinis respectively) and Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) are also known to frequent the area. Of particular concern are scaup, which continue to have a declining trend. All of these species have been identified by the US FWS as High Priority Waterfowl Species.

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 18 of 46 The preserve also hosts Wood Duck (Aix sponsa) that use the area for feeding, resting and nesting habitat. Wood Duck, Canvasback (Aythya valisineria), Redheads (Aythya americana), Ring-necked Duck (Aythya collaris) and American Wigeon (Anas americana) are categorized as Other Priority Species by the US FWS and each will use this area for spring and fall migration.

Other migratory waterfowl known from in and around the Erie Marsh Preserve include Blue- winged Teal (Anas discors), Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca), Northern Shovelers (Anas clypeata), Tundra and Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus Columbianus and C. buccinator) and Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola). Aerial surveys of the past five years have shown high concentrations of scaup in the November waterfowl survey averaging 21,000 birds. Over 50,000 scaup have been observed at one time during the November flight in the North Maumee Bay Project Area.

Historically and presently, the wetlands of Lake Erie are important spring, fall and winter staging, feeding and resting areas for these waterfowl, especially Canvasbacks, Redhead and scaup. The shallow water areas and abundant submergent vegetation resulting from the restoration and enhancement conducted under this proposal will be an important food source for both diving and puddle ducks. Quality spring migration habitat in the Great Lakes region is currently thought to be limiting breeding success of these and other species. The habitat restored through this grant will provide a significant, food-rich stop over area for migrating birds.

The shallow water areas of the site are already used as feeding habitat by wading birds such as Great Egrets (Casmerodius albas), Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) and Black-crowned Night Herons (Nycticorax nycticorax). Consequently, the preserve is encompassed within a site of International Shorebird Importance (ISI). The area will also provide feeding areas, breeding habitat and shelter for a variety of other bird species.

The new dike and pump system will be able to quickly alter water levels in individual units. Since different species of birds have different habitat requirements for water depth and vegetation, completing the planned restoration project will allow us to accommodate a far greater variety of birds than the current pump and dike. The current system can only flood a portion of the preserve. Ewert et al. (2005) found in an avian habitat modeling study in the western Lake Erie basin that flooding is too transient and irregular to offset the importance of managed marshes, beaches and estuaries where shallow water and adjacent mudflats are more consistently available.

The new water distribution and management units developed through this proposal will provide management flexibility for a variety of birds. For example, water levels can be drawn down to expose mudflats for migrating shorebirds like plovers, sandpipers and godwits in one unit while another unit maintains shallow water for dabbling ducks such as Mallards, Blue-winged Teal and Wood Ducks as well as herons, egrets and other wading birds. There is also the option of seasonally draining some of the higher elevated areas to develop forested wetland habitat for other migrating birds such as warblers and flycatchers. Historically, the wetlands of North Maumee Bay were used by birds at all times of the year for nesting and foraging and seasonally as stopover sites during migrations.

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 19 of 46 8. Prevent or reduce contamination

Impounded wetlands have been shown to improve the quality of water flowing through them (Gottgens and Liptak 1998). Pesticides from agriculture and heavy metals from industrial processes are tied up in wetlands, either by direct absorption by plants or by adhering to the surfaces of sediment, clay or organic matter within the soil. Wetland vegetation also absorbs nutrients like phosphorus, which in excessive amounts can lead to eutrophication (Kirby et al. 2002). Lake Erie in particular suffered from eutrophication in the 1960’s. The excess nutrients led to large algal blooms. Bacteria decomposing the dead algae reduced dissolved oxygen to the point of excluding other organisms. Nutrient loads into Lake Erie have been greatly reduced because of restrictions on phosphorus and other contaminants entering into the lake or its tributaries resulting in increased water quality (Ludsin et al 2001). Nutrient loads to the bay and lake can still be reduced further by the restored and enhanced wetlands supported by this grant, contributing to better water quality in the surrounding North Maumee Bay.

9. Catalyst for future conservation

The previously successful NCWC grant for North Maumee Bay to acquire the 132-acre Hemmelgarn tract was the initial phase in the larger estuary restoration project of North Maumee Bay. Funding from the previous grant supported the acquisition of the last large parcel bordering the bay and solidified conservation ownership of a majority of the bay. This project builds on that momentum by supporting the initial restoration and enhancement of 573 acres of coastal wetlands, though there will still be the need to restore and enhance wetlands in the rest of the 990-acre Erie Marsh Preserve. This grant will support completion of five additional units within the preserve as well as developing the water distribution system that will service the entire preserve. This work will catalyze efforts to raise the funds needed to complete the other five units detailed in the site design work conducted by DU (Figure 10 and Appendix B) resulting in all 990 acres of the preserve being restored or enhanced.

More importantly, however, is the impact this project will have on efforts to expand restoration efforts to the entire ten square mile North Maumee Bay estuary. This project will demonstrate to other potential stakeholders and interested publics that large-scale wetland restorations can be done in what is now a scoured out bay. Additionally, the Erie Marsh Preserve will be the largest contiguous wetland restoration in the larger estuary restoration project. Other projects will be done in smaller cells interspersed through the bay. MDNR is a partner with Michigan State University (MSU) in a scholar-mentor program. This program has a MSU student working on developing a multimedia presentation and materials on the broader estuary restoration project as well as assisting in the preparation of this proposal. Regardless of the outcome of this grant proposal, the conservation partners will continue to seek support for restoration projects. Additionally, we will look for the means to conduct a feasibility study and environmental assessment/impact statement for the entire estuary restoration. The MSU Scholar’s presentation materials will be used to build the broad stakeholder coalition that will be necessary to take the next steps in the estuary restoration.

The Erie Marsh Preserve also presents unique restoration and research opportunities. In the middle of the preserve between the Secor’s, Widgeon Hole and Mink Creek Units is a natural sulfur spring (Figure 10). There is sufficient flow from this spring to provide positive water

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 20 of 46 pressure into the three surrounding units. This provides the opportunity to have wetlands within a Great Lake system that can be isolated from invasive exotics such as zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha), carp, round goby (Neogobius melanostomus), Eurasian ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus) and spiny water flea (Bythotrephes longimanus). Consequently, these units can be used for research on impacts these species can have on native organisms. Additionally, these units can provide potential conservation sites for native species displaced by these invaders.

#Y Redhead Retreat Unit Wolverine Wallow Unit #Y #Y Water #Y Distribution Secor's Unit Canals Gadwall Sulphur Getaway Unit Spring #Y Canvasback Widgeon #Y#Y#Y Cabana Unit #Y Hole Unit #Y #Y #Y #Y #Y Potter's Cove Unit #Y Mink Creek Unit Buckeye ; # Scaup Slough Basin Unit Pump and Unit Inlet/outlet

0.25 0 0.25 Miles N Figure 10: Complete wetland restoration and enhancement units planned for in TNC’s Erie Marsh Preserve. Subsequent project phases will complete work to add the Scaup Slough, Gadwall Getaway, Canvasback Cabana, Wolverine Wallow and Redhead Retreat Units to those units established with support from this proposal.

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 21 of 46 10. Partners in conservation

This project involves the novel partnership of a local hunting and fishing club with an international waterfowl and wetlands organization, an international biodiversity conservation organization and a state fish and wildlife agency. Members of the Erie Shooting and Fishing Club have been using the area of the Erie Marsh Preserve for over a century. This club has heavily invested in habitat improvements at the site over that time. When the club donated the area to TNC in 1978, they remained an active partner in the site, leasing the hunting rights and spending approximately $200,000 annually in membership dues managing and maintaining the area.

The preserve is one of the most actively maintained and annually managed lands owned by TNC. In order to conserve the biodiversity native to North Maumee Bay, TNC has made a significant management and maintenance commitment. DU is a logical partner in this project as they have been active in coastal wetland projects in the region including successful North American Wetlands Conservation Act grants. This project and the larger estuary restoration project are examples of MDNR’s ecosystem management approach to conserving Michigan’s fish and wildlife resources. MDNR is working to restore systems and processes at a landscape level to provide for native species.

11. Federal share reduced

The State of Michigan has a qualified program for land acquisition and protection, namely the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. Consequently, this proposal only requires a 25% non- federal match. There is an additional 25.1% increase over the required match being provided in cash for this proposal. See Appendix C.

12. Education/outreach program or wildlife-oriented recreation

Occurring between the major metropolitan areas of Detroit, Michigan and Toledo, Ohio, the Erie Marsh Preserve is within a short driving distance to urban residents. This site provides an excellent opportunity to serve as a living classroom, educating local populations on the importance of coastal wetlands. The Erie Marsh Preserve is open to the public for a variety of compatible outdoor recreation activities with the exception of waterfowl hunting, the rights to which are leased. Site improvements that facilitate pedestrian access and viewing, such as trails or boardwalks, will be developed as needed and designed to minimize impacts. TNC and Michigan Sea Grant will provide outreach assistance to educate the public about protection of natural resources critical for fish and wildlife and control of exotic invasive species that affect wildlife habitat. Interpretive signs and brochures will be developed to educate the public about the value of protecting coastal wetlands. DU and TNC will include information about the Erie Marsh’s wetland resource in their education programming and events. Additionally, this project is being developed with assistance through the MSU and MDNR Scholar Program mentioned above.

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 22 of 46 13. Other factors

Southeast Michigan is home to nearly 5.8 million people. Over half of Michigan’s population lives within one hour of the Erie Marsh Preserve. Monroe County has an estimated 160,000 residents. The Erie Marsh Preserve, along with the surrounding Erie State Game Area, provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. These opportunities include waterfowl hunting, deer hunting, small game hunting, fishing and access for boating, canoeing, wildlife viewing and hiking. All of these opportunities will be enhanced as a result of the wetland restoration and enhancement supported by this proposal.

As previously noted, the Erie Marsh Preserve will offer some unique conservation opportunities. With the upwelling of ground water from the sulfur spring, some of the restoration units can be effectively isolated from invasive exotic organisms common in Lake Erie. Additionally, the water distribution system and bi-directional pump will allow managers to effectively control phragmites. This invasive plant species has dominated coastal wetlands along the western shore of Lake Erie. Considerable funds have already been spent in aerial herbicide treatments of nearly 400 acres within the preserve. The ability to control water levels in individual units will allow managers to prevent reinfestation without negatively affecting the wetland management within neighboring units.

APPROACH:

The wetlands restoration and enhancement activities supported by this grant will be conducted by DU acting as a subrecipient. DU has already completed all the design and engineering work for the entire TNC Erie Marsh. Because this grant is only supporting work on 573 acres of the 990 acre TNC Erie Marsh Preserve, the expenditures on the engineering and design work will be prorated and applied to this grant as DU cash contribution. Documentation of these expenditures will be submitted to US FWS along with the required annual performance reports.

Approach 1. Wetland Restoration

Wetland restoration will occur on those four units that will be encompassed by new interior dikes and serviced by the new water distribution canal and water control structures. Potter’s Cove, Mink Creek, Widgeon Hole and Secor’s Units will be restored. This restoration will be accomplished by the following activities:

1. Installing a Pump and Water Control Structure Station:

Pumps: Two hydraulic driven, horizontally mounted, variable speed electric pumps, each with the capacity to pump 6,500 gallons per minute will be installed. Unlike the current configuration, these pumps will provide the ability to pump both into and out of the wetland, improving the ability to manage water regimes necessary to meet habitat objectives. The pumps will also be able to gravity feed water from Lake Erie when water levels in the bay exceed water levels in the distribution canal. Variable speed pumps are desirable because the rate of flow can be adjusted to match the flooding needs within each wetland unit. The pumps will require more electricity than the single pump currently at the site; however, their larger capacity, combined

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 23 of 46 with a direct water delivery system will result in more efficient movement of water. The pumps will be mounted below the surface of the water, which reduces maintenance and increases the life of the pump when compared with typical vertical pumps. The design of the pump structure will provide easy access for maintenance when necessary, including access for vehicles such as ATVs.

Structures: Two stop-log water control structures will be installed adjacent to the pumps to manage the flow of water from the pump station into the wetland. Additionally, four screwgate water control structures will be installed at the pump site. These structures will be able to direct water into and out of the distribution canal and into the 310-acre Buckeye Basin Unit. These structures will facilitate the movement of water to and from the pump, but will also allow transfer of water between the distribution canal and Buckeye Basin by gravity. Fish grates will be installed at the pump structure to prevent access to the Erie Marsh Preserve by invasive carp.

2. Constructing a Water Distribution Canal.

A distribution canal will be constructed by building an earthen embankment adjacent to an existing embankment to form a ditch or canal. This canal will provide for efficient movement of water between the pump and the four wetland units to be restored. Managers will be able to increase or decrease water depth as necessary in each unit to optimize wetland functions and values. The canal and associated water control structures will allow water to be moved into or out of wetland units independently, without impacting the water level or vegetation in other wetland units.

3. Installing Water Control Structures:

Six full-round aluminum water control structures will be installed to facilitate the flow of water from the distribution canals to the wetland units. Structures will be placed into the four wetland units and will allow each unit to be managed independently. A seventh water control structure will be placed in the distribution canal to the west of Potter’s Cove Unit to capture surface water from Maumee Bay when lake levels are sufficient.

Approach 2. Wetland Enhancement

Approximately 159 acres of palustrine-emergent wetlands will be enhanced in the 310-acre Buckeye Basin Unit. This unit is already bounded by the perimeter dike along its west, south and eastern edge. The perimeter dike and existing eastern cross dike will allow enhanced ability to control water within this unit. Consequently, managers will have greater abilities to manage existing vegetated areas of this unit. This work will be conducted using the pump system and additional dikes described above in Approach 1.

Approach 3. Wetland Protection

TNC will provide protection of the units affected by this grant proposal by placing a Notice of Property Restriction on their title to the property. This restriction will run with the title and require that the units be protected, managed and maintained in perpetuity for the purposes of providing, enhancing and managing coastal wetlands. Although the capital improvements supported by this grant will have a useful life of approximately 30 years, the conservation

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 24 of 46 partners in this grant are committed to coastal wetland management within North Maumee Bay. Consequently, when the useful life of the capital improvements are exceeded, the conservation partners will ensure appropriate management occurs to maintain these coastal wetlands.

The value of the wetland units covered by this proposal will be used as in-kind match. Conseqeuntly, these lands will have a federal interest. TNC will protect the Federal interest in the lands by ensuring that a Notice of Property Restriction as described below is recorded separate from, but referencing, TNC’s existing title. The Notice of Property Restriction will:

1. Identify that the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (US FWS) has an interest in the real property to which the Notice of Property Restriction applies and where the title to this interest is recorded.

2. Identify this grant by its identifying number and name.

3. State the purpose of the project is to protect, manage and enhance coastal wetlands in perpetuity.

4. State that TNC will not convey or encumber the interest in real property, completely or in part, without US FWS’ consent and will manage the interest in real property for the project’s authorized purpose unless US FWS authorizes otherwise.

5. State that the Notice of Property Restriction runs with the interest in the real property and none of the items may be changed or cease to be applicable unless US FWS provides written authorization, which TNC will also record with reference to the title to the real property.

The process for establishing the value of the match lands will conform to the guidelines set forth in the Federal Aid Handbook. Essentially, the match lands will be treated as if they were acquired with federal funds through this grant and will be subject to the following conditions:

1. Minerals, oil, gas and grazing rights were acquired with the land. Once used as in-kind match, any use, sale or easements must be approved by US FWS in accordance with applicable federal regulations.

2. The fair market value of the match lands will be estimated by a State-licensed or certified appraiser, as provided by the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisitions guidance provided in the “Yellow Book.” The appraisal must be reviewed by a certified Review Appraiser.

Approach 4. Estuary Restoration Planning

The conservation partners in this grant proposal will initiate a feasibility study to restore the entire North Maumee Bay estuary. The study will involve multiple conservation partners including state, federal and local public agencies, as well as private organizations and corporations. Additionally, a site-specific management plan will be jointly developed by TNC, DU and MDNR. This plan will incorporate the intended use of Erie Marsh Preserve as being for the protection and enhancement of coastal wetlands in perpetuity. The plan will ensure that any activities and land uses planned for these areas will not interfere with this intended purpose. No

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 25 of 46 funds from this grant will be used for planning purposes. The conservation partners are committed to this effort, however, and the plan will be completed by the end of the grant period.

Approach 5. Education and Outreach

Site improvements to facilitate pedestrian access and viewing, such as trails or boardwalks, will be developed as needed and designed to minimize impacts. TNC and Michigan Sea Grant will provide outreach assistance to educate the public about protection of natural resources critical for fish and wildlife and control of exotic invasive species that affect wildlife habitat. Interpretive signs and brochures will be developed to educate the public about the value of protecting coastal wetlands. DU and TNC will include information about the Erie Marsh’s wetland resource in their education programming and events. No funds are being requested for the site improvement activities.

LOCATION:

TNC’s Erie Marsh Preserve is located in Erie Township, T8S-R8E, sections 22, 23, 26 and 27, Monroe County, Michigan (Figure 1).

ESTIMATED COST:

Costs will vary over the three years of this project. This Grant Proposal covers salaries and wages, contractual services, supplies and travel. Estimated costs by objective are:

Objectives FY 2009 FY 2010 FY 2011 Wetland Restoration $330,000 $300,000 $210,000 Wetland Enhancement $100,000 $75,000 $80,000 Wetland Protection $360,000 $0 $0 Estuary Restoration Planning $0 $0 $0 Education and Outreach $0 $0 $0 Totals $790,000 $375,000 $290,000

The funding needs and sources of funds are as follows:

Wetland Restoration and Enhancement $1,095,000 TNC Land Match $360,000 Project Total $1,455,000 Federal Share (NCWC) Requested $1,000,000

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 26 of 46 Project Funding Detail Federal Share (NCWC) $1,000,000 DU Contribution Cash $20,000 Erie Shooting and Fishing Club Cash $10,000 TNC Contribution Cash $65,000 Match Land $360,000 Total Project Funding $1,455,000

Project Funding Summary % of NCWC Grant Federal Share (NCWC) $1,000,000 68.73%1 Total Land Match $360,000 24.74% Total Cash Match $95,000 6.53% Total Project Funding $1,455,000 100.00% 1MDNR is eligible for projects funded at the 75% federal rate as the state has a qualified program for land acquisition and protection, the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund.

PROJECT PERSONNEL:

Federal Aid Coordinator Eric Sink MDNR Federal Aid Coordinator Financial Services Division (517) 373-1052

Grant Coordinator Stephen Beyer Wildlife Division Federal Aid Coordinator Wildlife Division (517) 241-3450

Project Leaders Joseph Robison Wildlife Habitat Biologist Wildlife Division (734) 379-9692

Heather Braun Regional Biologist Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (734) 623-2000

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 27 of 46 REFERENCES AND LITERATURE CITED:

Chow-Fraser, P. and D. Albert. 1999 Biodiversity Investment Areas for coastal wetlands ecosystems. In State of the Great Lakes Ecosystem Conference, 1998. US Environmental Protection Agency and Environment Canada, Buffalo, NY.

Ewert, D.N., G.J. Soulliere, R.D. Macleod, M.C. Shieldcastle, P.G. Rodewald, E. Fujimura, J. Shieldcastle, and R.J. Gates. 2005. Migratory bird stopover site attributes in the western Lake Erie basin. Final report to The George Gund Foundation.

Gottgens, J.F. and M.A. Liptak. 1998. Longterm assimilation of agricultural runoff in a Lake Erie marsh. Verh. Int. Ver. Limnol. 26:1337-1342.

Herdendorf, C. E. 1987. The ecology of the coastal marshes of western Lake Erie: a community profile. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Biological Report 85(7.9).

Putnam, B.J. 2008. Habitat use and spatial ecology of the Eastern fox snake (Patherophis gloydi) in a disturbed landscape. MS Thesis. Purdue University. 53pp.

Stephenson, T. D. 1990. Fish reproductive utilization of coastal marshes of Lake Ontario near Toronto. Journal of Great Lakes Research 16:71-81.

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 28 of 46 APPENDIX A: Changes in the Woodtick Peninsula and North Maumee Bay from 1940 to 2003.

The following series of aerial photographs show the changes that have taken place in North Maumee Bay over the last 60 years. In response to fluctuating water levels in Lake Erie and the loss of sediment deposition, conditions within the bay have drastically altered.

In 1940, the entire Woodtick Peninsula, the major barrier protecting the bay from erosive winds and waves that accompany winter storms, was largely intact. There was a large vegetated wetland behind the peninsula and there were several small islands to the south of the wetland. Lake Erie water levels during this year were some of the lowest recorded.

By 1957 the dike structure that is currently in place had been built around a portion of the wetland. Coincidentally, most of the emergent vegetation outside the dike system was already gone, as were some of the islands further to the south. Interior portions of the Woodtick Peninsula had washed out and the perimeter was just barely visible in some places. These changes were partially due to the high water levels that occurred in the late 1940s and early 1950s. By 1957 the water level had receded, but it was still much higher than the 1940 level.

In 1964 Lake Erie water levels had dropped close to what they were in 1940 and the Woodtick Peninsula was more visible than in earlier years. Despite this, the only place where there was still emergent wetland vegetation was in the area behind the dikes.

By 1985, the Woodtick Peninsula was almost completely over topped. Only a portion of one island remained in the bay to the south and west of the Woodtick. Even portions of the perimeter dike appeared to be breached. From the 1970’s until 2000, Lake Erie experienced record or near record high water levels in almost every year.

During the 1990’s, Lake Erie water levels began dropping, but still remained high. The lake waters did recede enough so that portions of the Woodtick Peninsula again emerged, although the peninsula remained fragmented and some areas were still flooded. Water levels also receded behind the dike and emergent wetland vegetation began to return. Vegetated wetlands outside the dike, however, remained absent.

In the last decade, water levels on Lake Erie have fallen drastically, allowing most of the Woodtick Peninsula to resurface. By 2003, the entire peninsula emerged as one contiguous piece and was very close to its condition of 60 years ago. Despite this, virtually no emergent wetland vegetation exists in North Maumee Bay outside of the diked wetland.

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 29 of 46

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 30 of 46

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 31 of 46 APPENDIX B: Architectural design drawing for entire wetland restoration/enhancement project within the Erie Marsh Preserve.

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 32 of 46

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 33 of 46 APPENDIX C: Summary Information for Ranking National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program Proposals

Title: North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements

Costs: Coastal Wetlands Program Request $1,000,000.00 State $0.00 Other (Federal) $0.00 Other (Non-Federal) $455,000.00 Total $1,455,000.00

Summary: This proposal supports the restoration and enhancement of coastal wetlands in North Maumee Bay of Lake Erie through a partnership between MDNR, DU, and the Erie Shooting and Fishing Club. The restoration and enhancement sites are part of TNC’s Erie Marsh Preserve in Erie Township of Monroe County, Michigan. Resulting from this project, 263 acres of palustrine emergent and palustrine scrub-shrub wetlands will be restored. Additionally, a 310-acre unit will have improved water management capabilities that will enhance 159 acres of palustrine emergent wetlands. This proposal supports the initial phase of wetland restoration and enhancement at the preserve that will also catalyze a final phase to complete the remaining five management units, resulting in the entire 990-acre preserve consisting of restored and enhanced coastal wetlands.

(1) Wetlands Conservation: What is the breakdown by habitat type for the wetlands being conserved?

Habitat type Number of acres Percentage of total project area

Declining coastal wetlands 424.0 74.0%

Stable coastal wetlands 0.0 0.0%

Total wetlands 424.0 74.0%

Upland 149.0 26.0%

Total project acres 573.0 100.0%

(2) Maritime Forest on Coastal Barriers: What plant species are present that are indicative of maritime forest as defined in the criteria?

Common name Scientific name Prevalence (rare, common, predominant)

N/A N/A N/A

(3) Long-term conservation: How long will the habitat benefits be provided by the project?

Benefits in perpetuity Benefits for 26-99 years Benefits for 10-25 years (number of acres) (number of acres) (number of acres)

Easements 0.0 0.0 0.0 Fee-title (no restoration) 151.0 0.0 0.0

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 34 of 46 Benefits in perpetuity Benefits for 26-99 years Benefits for 10-25 years (number of acres) (number of acres) (number of acres) Fee-title (that will also be restored) 263.0 0.0 0.0 Fee-title (that will also be enhanced) 159.0 0.0 0.0 Not acquired, Restored only 0.0 0.0 0.0 Not acquired, Enhanced only 0.0 0.0 0.0 Other (please explain) 0.0 0.0 0.0

Total 573.0 0.0 0.0

(4) Coastal watershed management: How will this project help achieve the goals of specific management plans and efforts?

Management plan or effort How this project helps implement its goals

Erie State Game Area 10-Year Management Plan Advances goal of permanently protecting habitat of high biological diversity and providing public access Michigan Shorebirds Protections and Management Act Project permanently protects critical fish and wildlife (Part 323, PA 451) habitat specifically designated as an Environmental Area under the Act, plus aims to minimize human impacts that may accelerate erosion and sedimentation in a designated high-risk erosion area 15 Year Detroit International Wildlife Refuge Plan Supports goal to have 40% of public and private land within the refuge protected by easements or cooperative agreements as well as permanently protecting critical wildlife habitat Ducks Unlimited’s Lake Erie Watershed Focus Area Provide habitat protection for breeding, migrating and wintering waterfowl; particularly Mallards, Wood Ducks and Blue-winged Teal Lake Erie Lakewide Management Plan The Lake Erie LaMP has identified habitat loss and (LaMP) (U.S. EPA) degradation as one of the top three stressors that must be addressed to restore Lake Erie. This project supports the Lake Erie LaMP goal to protect high quality habitats and restore some degraded habitats North American Waterfowl Management Plan Protect in perpetuity critical habitat for breeding and migrating waterfowl; particularly Mallards, American Black Duck, scaup and Northern Pintail Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network This project will restore and protect critical shorebird (WSHRN) habitats identified by the WSHRN Bald Eagle Recovery Plan This project supports the Bald Eagle Recovery Plan of the United States and Canada

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 35 of 46 (5a) Conservation of threatened and endangered species: What are the benefits to federally listed species, candidates, or recently delisted species?

Common name Scientific name Status Project Does the project support goals of a benefits Recovery Plan or HCP? List plan and goal. Bald Eagle Haliaeetus Recently Protects This project supports the Bald Eagle leucocephalus delisted nesting Recovery Plan of the United States habitat and and Canada feeding areas

(5b) What are the benefits to State species of concern?

Common name Scientific name Status Project Does the project support goals of a benefits specific Recovery Plan? List plan and goal. Bald Eagle Haliaeetus Threatened Protects Bald Eagle Recovery Plan for the leucocephalus nesting sites United States and Canada and feeding areas Osprey Pandion haliaetus Threatened Protects Lake Erie Lakewide Management habitat Plan (LaMP) to protect high quality habitats and restore degraded habitats King Rail Rallus elegans Endangered Protects LaMP; to protect high quality habitat habitats and restore degraded habitats Marsh Wren Cistothrous palustris Special Protects LaMP; to protect high quality Concern habitat habitats and restore degraded habitats Eastern Fox Pantherophis gloydi Threatened Protects LaMP; to protect high quality Snake habitat habitats and restore degraded habitats Silver Chub Machrybopsis Special Provides LaMP; to protect high quality storeriana concern spawning, habitats and restore degraded nursery, habitats juvenile and foraging habitat Water-Willow Justicia americana Threatened Protects LaMP; to protect high quality habitat habitats and restore degraded habitats Woodland Lettuce Lactuca floridiana Threatened Protects LaMP; to protect high quality habitat habitats and restore degraded habitats American Lotus Nelumbo lutea Threatened Protects LaMP; to protect high quality habitat habitats and restore degraded habitats Round-Fruited St. Hypericum Threatened Protects LaMP; to protect high quality John’s Wort sphaerocarpum habitat habitats and restore degraded habitats Proud Globe Mesodon elevatus Special Protects LaMP; to protect high quality concern habitat habitats and restore degraded habitats

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 36 of 46 Common name Scientific name Status Project Does the project support goals of a benefits specific Recovery Plan? List plan and goal. Frank’s Sedge Carex frankii Special Protects LaMP; to protect high quality concern habitat habitats and restore degraded habitats Swamp Rose- Hibiscus moscheutos Special Protects LaMP; to protect high quality Mallow concern habitat habitats and restore degraded habitats Arrowhead Sagittaris Special Protects LaMP; to protect high quality montevidensis concern habitat habitats and restore degraded habitats Trailing Wild Bean Strophostyles Special Protects LaMP; to protect high quality helvula concern habitat habitats and restore degraded habitats

(6) Benefits to fish: What are benefits to anadromous, interjuristictional, and other important species?

Common name Scientific name Project benefits Does the project help meet specific management goals? List plan and goal. Longnose Gar Lepisosteus oseeus For all species listed, All species listed in this table are benefits may only be encompassed by the Lake Erie indirect in this phase as Lakewide Management Plan fish proposed work will be community relative to the Fish within perimeter dike. Community Goals and Objectives Passive fish passage (FCGO). This project would will occur, however, at address the goals of maintaining times targeting species and restoring fundamental habitats life cycles. and preserving biodiversity. Provides spawning, Objectives addressed would nursery, juvenile and include: providing nearshore foraging habitat habitat and associated fisheries; providing riverine and estuarine habitats and fish stocks that use them; protect rare, threatened and endangered species and provide for prey base and food web structure. Gizzard Shad Dorosoma petenense Provides spawning, nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat Spotfin Shiner Notropis spilopterus Provides spawning, nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat Spottail Shiner N. hudsonius Provides, nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat Emerald Shiner N. atherinoides Provides nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat Mimic Shiner N. volucellus Provides spawning, nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat Sand Shiner N. stramineus Provides spawning, nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 37 of 46 Common name Scientific name Project benefits Does the project help meet specific management goals? List plan and goal. Bluntnose Minnow Pimephales notatus Provides spawning, nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat Silver Chub Machrybopsis Provides spawning, storeriana nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat Quillback Sebastes maliger Provides nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat Bigmouth Buffalo Ictiobus cyprinellus Provides nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat White Sucker Catostomus Provides spawning, commersonii nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat Brown Bullhead Ictalurus nebulosus Provides spawning, nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat Channel Catfish I. punctatus Provides nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat Yellow Bullhead Ameiurus natalis Provides spawning, nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat Tadpole Matdom Notorus gyrinus Provides spawning, nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat Northern Pike Esox lucius Provides spawning, nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat Banded Killifish Fundulus diaphanous Provides spawning, nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat Brook Silverside Labidesthes sicculus Provides spawning, nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat White Perch Morone americana Provides nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat White Bass M. chrysops Provides nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat Orangespotted Lepomis humilis Provides spawning, Sunfish nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat Green Sunfish L. cyanellus Provides spawning, nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat Bluegill L. macrochirus Provides spawning, nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 38 of 46 Common name Scientific name Project benefits Does the project help meet specific management goals? List plan and goal. Pumpkinseed L. gibbosus Provides spawning, nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat Rock Bass Ambloplites rupestris Provides spawning, nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides Provides spawning, nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat Smallmouth Bass M. dolomieu Provides juvenile and foraging habitat Yellow Perch Perca flavescens Provides spawning, nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat Walleye Sander vitreus Provides nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat Logperch Percina caprodes Provides spawning, nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat Freshwater Drum Aplodinotus grunniens Provides nursery, juvenile and foraging habitat

(7) Coastal-dependent or migratory birds: What are the benefits to specific coastal-dependent or migratory species?

Common name Scientific name Benefits Does project help meet the goals of a specific management plan? List plan and goal. Canvasback Aythya vallisneria Provides for migrations North American Waterfowl and wintering habitat Management Plan Redhead A. americana Provides for migrations North American Waterfowl and wintering habitat Management Plan Greater Scaup A. marila Provides for migrations North American Waterfowl and wintering habitat Management Plan Lesser Scaup A. affinis Provides for migrations North American Waterfowl and wintering habitat Management Plan Bufflehead Bucephala albeola Provides for migrations North American Waterfowl and wintering habitat Management Plan Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Confirmed nesting, North American Waterfowl protects habitat Management Plan Blue-winged Teal A. discors Confirmed nesting, North American Waterfowl protects habitat Management Plan Green-winged Teal A. crecca Protects coastal wetland North American Waterfowl habitat Management Plan Black Duck A. rubripes Possible nesting, protects North American Waterfowl migratory and breeding Management Plan habitat

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 39 of 46 Common name Scientific name Benefits Does project help meet the goals of a specific management plan? List plan and goal. Pintail A. acuta Protects migratory and North American Waterfowl potential breeding habitat Management Plan Wood Duck Aix sponsa Confirmed nesting, North American Waterfowl protects habitat Management Plan Great Egret Ardea alba Confirmed nesting, protects habitat Great Blue Heron A. herodias Confirmed nesting, Identified as a Species of Greatest protects breeding habitat Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife Action Plan Black-crowned Nycticorax nycticorax Protects migratory and Identified as a Species of Greatest Night Hereon potential breeding habitat Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife Action Plan; recognized by the North American Waterbird Conservation Plan (NAWCP) Swallow spp. Hirundo spp. Protects habitat

Lesser Yellowlegs Tringa flavipes Protects migratory habitat Recognized as important area by the Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network (WHSRN) for providing critical wetland habitat for migratory shorebirds Greater yellowlegs T. melanoleuca Protects migratory habitat Recognized as important area by the WHSRN for providing critical wetland habitat for migratory shorebirds; species recognized by the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan (USSCP) Solitary sandpiper T. solitaria Protects migratory habitat Recognized as important area by the WHSRN for providing critical wetland habitat for migratory shorebirds Sora Porzana carolina Protects migratory and Recognized as important area by the potential breeding habitat WHSRN for providing critical wetland habitat for migratory shorebirds; Identified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife Action Plan Virginia Rail Rallus limicola Protects migratory and Recognized as important area by the potential breeding habitat WHSRN for providing critical wetland habitat for migratory shorebirds; Identified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife Action Plan American Coot Fulica americana Protects migratory and Identified as a Species of Greatest breeding habitat Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife Action Plan Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus Protects habitat Identified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife Action Plan Killdeer Charadrius Protects migratory and Identified as a Species of Greatest vociferous breeding habitat Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife Action Plan

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 40 of 46 Common name Scientific name Benefits Does project help meet the goals of a specific management plan? List plan and goal. Spotted Sandpiper Actitis macularia Protects migratory habitat Recognized as important area by the WHSRN for providing critical wetland habitat for migratory shorebirds; Identified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife Action Plan Semipalmated Calidris pusilla Protects migratory habitat Recognized as important area by the Sandpiper WHSRN for providing critical wetland habitat for migratory shorebirds Least Sandpiper C. minutilla Protects migratory habitat Recognized as important area by the WHSRN for providing critical wetland habitat for migratory shorebirds White-rumped C. fuscicollis Protects migratory habitat Recognized as important area by the Sandpiper WHSRN for providing critical wetland habitat for migratory shorebirds Pectoral Sandpiper C. melanotos Protects migratory habitat Recognized as important area by the WHSRN for providing critical wetland habitat for migratory shorebirds Silt Sandpiper C. himantopus Protects migratory habitat Recognized as important area by the WHSRN for providing critical wetland habitat for migratory shorebirds Short-billed Limnodromus Protects migratory habitat Recognized as important area by the Dowitcher griseus WHSRN for providing critical wetland habitat for migratory shorebirds; species recognized by USSCP Wilson’s Snipe Gallinago delicata Protects migratory habitat Recognized as important area by the WHSRN for providing critical wetland habitat for migratory shorebirds; Identified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife Action Plan Wilson’s Phalarope Phalaropus tricolor Protects migratory habitat Recognized as important area by the WHSRN for providing critical wetland habitat for migratory shorebirds; Identified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife Action Plan American Scolopax minor Protects habitat Species recognized by USSCP, Woodcock Partners in Flight (PIF) and identified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife Action Plan Sandhill Crane Grus canadensis Protects habitat Species recognized by PIF

Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps Protects habitat Recognized by NAWCP and identified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife Action Plan Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis Protects summer feeding and potential nesting habitat Herring Gull L. argentatus Protects summer feeding and potential nesting habitat

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 41 of 46 Common name Scientific name Benefits Does project help meet the goals of a specific management plan? List plan and goal. Caspian Tern Sterna caspia Protects summer feeding Identified as a Species of Greatest and potential nesting Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife habitat Action Plan Common Tern S. hurondo Protects summer feeding Identified as a Species of Greatest and potential nesting Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife habitat Action Plan, also recognized by PIF Forster’s Tern S. forsteri Protects summer feeding Identified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife Action Plan Black Tern Chlidonias niger Protects habitat Species recognized by NAWCP, PIF and identified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife Action Plan Canada Goose Branta canadensis Confirmed nesting, protects habitat King Rail Rallus elegans Protects habitat Identified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife Action Plan; species recognized by NAWCP and PIF Prothonotary Protonotaria citrea Protects habitat Identified as a Species of Greatest Warbler Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife Action Plan Willow Flycatcher Empidonax traillii Protects habitat Species recognized by PIF

Least Bittern Ixobrychus exilis Protects habitat Identified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife Action Plan; species recognized by NAWCP American Bittern Botaurus Protects habitat Species recognized by NAWCP lentiginosus Marsh Wren Cistothorus palustris Protects habitat Identified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife Action Plan also recognized by PIF Sedge Wren C. platensis Protects habitat Species recognized by PIF and identified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife Action Plan Northern Harrier Circus cyaneus Protects habitat Species recognized by PIF and identified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife Action Plan Osprey Pandion haliaetus Protects habitat Identified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife Action Plan Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus Protects habitat Identified as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife Action Plan Bald Eagle Haliaeetus Protects nesting habitat Bald Eagle Recovery Plan; Identified leucocephalus and feeding areas as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need in MDNR’s Wildlife Action Plan

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 42 of 46 (8) Prevent or reduce contamination: What are the contaminants benefits?

Contaminant Benefits Does project help meet the goals of a specific management plan? List plan and goal. Sediment Emergent wetland vegetation slows water flow, allowing sediments to settle out, reducing turbidity in the water Pesticides Restored coastal wetlands will absorb and breakdown pesticides in vegetation or lock up pesticides in soil by adsorption Excess Nutrients (P and N) Restored coastal wetland vegetation will absorb nutrients before they can reach open water, reducing harmful algal blooms

(9) Catalyst for future conservation: What other conservation efforts that would benefit from this project?

Projects Benefits North Maumee Bay Estuary Restoration A large project to restore significant acres of emergent wetlands and shallow water habitats that will provide nesting and migration habitat for migratory birds as well as spawning, nursery, juvenile and forage habitat for fish. Erie Marsh Preserve Final Phase Will build momentum and help catalyze development of five additional units in the preserve to restore coastal wetlands. Invasive Species Provides opportunity to research invasive species affects on native organisms by having sites free of invasives within a Great Lakes water body. Rare Species Conservation Provides opportunity to conserve native species that have been negatively affected by invasive species.

(10) Partners in conservation: What are the sources and amounts of financial support being provided by partners?

Organizations/individuals providing match Monetary value of support

The Nature Conservancy in Michigan $425,000.00

Ducks Unlimited, Inc. $20,000.00

Erie Shooting and Fishing Club $10,000.00

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 43 of 46 (11) Federal share reduced: Is the Federal match share reduced by contributions from State and other non- Federal sources? To what extent?

Total project costs $1,455,000.00

Required State match $363,750.00

Additional cash contribution $91,250.00 Percent increase over required match (see instructions) 25.1%

(12) Education/outreach or wildlife-oriented recreation: What site-specific educational or outreach programs or wildlife-oriented recreation programs or products are made possible by this project?

Site-specific programs or products Audience/Participants Estimated size of audience/participants Recreational hunting, trapping and General Public 100s-1000’s fishing Nature appreciation/outdoor General Public 100’s-1000’s recreation (hiking, bird watching, canoeing, etc.) Site improvements to facilitate General Public 100’s-1000’s pedestrian access and viewing, such as trails or boardwalks, will be developed Interpretive signs and brochures will General Public 100’s-1000’s be developed to educate the public about the value of protecting coastal wetlands

(13) Other factors: What other benefits does the project provide?

Other factors How the project addresses them

Invasive species control Installation of a two-way pump will allow us to draw down water levels to burn/cut phragmites and then flood the area to drown resprouting clones. Grates over water control structures and timing of allowing passive fish passage to control carp. Provides habitat for declining native mussels A large sulfur spring feeds a pond that is home to numerous native freshwater mussel species. The source of the spring is groundwater and the spring is not connected to Maumee Bay, providing an aquatic environment free of zebra or quagga mussels

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 44 of 46 Other considerations/tie-breakers:

1) Is the habitat imminently threatened?

Yes No

Threat(s) Severity

Phragmites reinfestation of areas already treated with High, need ability to better manage water levels to herbicides follow herbicide treatments with prescribed fire and inundation.

2. Does the site have unique and significant diversity?

Yes No

Unique biodiversity Supportive evidence Historically site was part of a large estuary containing a GLO survey notes, anecdotal reports, published complex of emergent marsh, shrub-scrub and forested literature. wetlands along with shallow water habitats.

3) What are the costs per acre? (Lesser costs would be preferable, all other factors being equal).

Habitat conservation approach Costs per acre

Acquisition $628.00

Easements $0.00

Restoration $3,194.00

Enhancement $1,604.00

4a) Are there new sources of funds, lands, or services being applied to this project? (As opposed to lands already owned by the State or third party that are being offered as match).

Yes No

(4b) What percentage of the funds, lands, or services is new? 20.9% percent.

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 45 of 46 APPENDIX D: Partner Letters of Support

The following letters in material support for this project as partners for ranking purposes are attached:

• The Nature Conservancy – Michigan

• Ducks Unlimited

The following letter in material support of this project as a partner for ranking purposes was not ready at the time of submittal for the reason listed below. This letter will be provided to the ranking committee by September 26, 2008.

• Erie Shooting and Fishing Club - the Director of the club spends his summers traveling throughout the country and abroad consequently he has not been available to provide the letter. The club is committed to the project and will provide the support letter upon the Director’s return in early September.

North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Enhancements, MDNR Page 46 of 46 tvíchígdn Fíeld ofrce West Míchígan P r ogram Ofi c e Upper Península Program Ofrce ror East Grand River 3728 West fuver Dr, NE ro9 West Baraga Avenue, Suite B ðiîU?$HfiG Lansing, MI +89o6 4+8 Comstock Park, MI 4932; Marquette, MI 49855 Protecting nature. Preserving lifel nature.org/michigan tel lsrz) l6-qoo rel 16ß) z9s zoss tel llo6)zz5 o399 [email protected] lax l5r7f 3t6-9886 fax [616] t85-zo6t fax [9o6] zt5-673r

STATE DIRECToR

Helen Taylor July 29,2008

BoARD oF TRUSTEES Michigan Department of Natural Resources Lloyd A. Semple, Chaír Mr. Stephen Beyer, Federal Aid Coordinator

Gerard M. Anderson, Yíce.Chøir Wildlife Program Support Section

Robert L. Anthony, Treøsurer Stevens T. Mason Building, PO Box 30444 Lansing, MI 48909-7944 l. David Allan

Essel W. Bailey, Jr. RE: National coastal wetland conservation Act Grant (NCWC): North William H.Barzhal Maumee Bay, Monroe County, Michigan Marcie Brogan Thomas B. Cook Dear Steve,

Cong. John D. Dingell Paul C. Hillegonds The Nature Conseryancy has an extensive history in Great Lakes conservation Llfe Trustee so we are pleased to provide the following information in support of the James A. lacob National coastal wetland Conservation Grant OrcV/C) program application Olivia P. Maynard for the North Maumee Bay Coastal Wetland Restoration and Mark A. Murray Enhancement Project.

William U. Parfet The North Maumee Bay restoration and enhancement site includes Philip H. Power The Nature Life Trustee conservancy's Erie Marsh Preserve in Erie Township, Monroe county, William C. Rands, III Michigan. The North Maumee Bay areawas once alarge coastal wetland complex of shrub swamp, emergent Milt Rohwer marsh and wet prairie separated from the open water of Lake Erie by what is now called the woodtick peninsula. Doug Rothwell Presently, this ten-square mile bay has lost more than eighty-five percent of its Richard D. Snyder historic wetlands, Barbara Van Dusen Lfe'trustee The coastal wetlands in this area provide spawning and nursery habitat, forage Dan Wyant and cover for several different species ofGreat Lakes fish; eighty percent oa Coruon¡rr ADVTsoRS which use coastal wetlands at some point during their lifecycle. cãastal Randolph J. Agley wetlands such as Maumee Bay also serye as habitat for a multitude of reptiles, amphibians Anthony F. Earley, Jr. and mammals. v/ith so many different species dependent on coastal David G. Frey wetlands, and less than ten percent of coastal wetlands in Lake Erie remaining, protecting, restoring and William K. Howenstein enhancing areas like North Maumee Bay are needed to sustain the area's diversity of wildlife. Richard A. Manoogian

James B. Nicholson Kenneth Whipple

reclcled paper Through this proposal, a system of new interior dikes along with a water distribution canal and new bi-direction pump system will be used to restore and enhance coastal wetlands. This project will improve the water management capabilities in the area which will enable the recovery of several nationally declining wetland types as well as assisting in the reduction and prevention of invasive species.

The Nature Conservancy fully supports the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) application to the NCV/C grant for the purposes of restoring and enhancing 570 acres of North Maumee Bay in order to protect the coastal wetlands of this area in perpetuity. The Nature Conservancy commits to providing f,rnancial assistance of up to $65,000 in cash as well as $360,000 in land match to this project.

V/e look forward to working with the MDNR and other partners to restore this rapidly declining ecosystem and to fuither protect and manage its outstanding natural resogrces.

Sincerely, 0 /^i -(r7t/Å/h { Uu^,-u Dennis McGrath Assistant State Director, Michigan