381 acres of the Mill Brook salt marsh in the
Scarborough Marsh Wildlife Management Area.
Problem
Man-made ditches have excessively drained substantial sections
of the Mill Brook marsh, lowering the natural water table
and destroying permanent pool habitat that once supported
a suite of species (aquatic plants, invertebrates, fish, shorebirds,
wading birds, and waterfowl).
This area is further troubled by an extensivePhragmites invasion, in part as a result
of excessive fresh-water run-off from upland developments.
Restoration Goal
Restore pool and panne habitat, groundwater levels, and re-establish
ecological functions of high marsh community by plugging drainage
ditches. In addition, one short hay road berm will be breached
to improve tidal flow and twelve patches of the invasive Phragmites
will be treated.
