Bayport demonstration marsh project

Approximately 4,250 acres of marsh habitat is proposed to be created from the dredged material removed from the Houston Ship Channel over a 50 year time period. To evaluate the technical feasibility of this Beneficial Use Group (BUG) plan, a large-scale demonstration project was constructed using materials, equipment, and construction and management techniques that replicated those intended for the larger project. A 6,800 LF hydraulic fill levee was constructed and filled with maintenance material from the Bayport Channel Flare. To identify possible cost-effective alternatives for levee protection, several selected erosion protection measures were installed. A planting plan was developed using plant species similar to those found in reference marshes. Settlement rates, plant growth and expansion, and avian utilization of this demonstration marsh were monitored. Each step of this project is discussed in detail in this report.