Wetland restoration and creation in Dickinson Bay and Dickinson Bayou: Project report

Wetland loss has occurred in Dickinson Bay and the Dickinson Bayou watershed from numerous processes including filling, drainage, and subsidence. Between the 1950's and 1989, approximately 68 percent of the wetlands in the Dickinson Bay area, and 54 percent of the wetlands in the Dickinson Bayou watershed were lost. Both tidal and nontidal segments of Dickinson Bayou have been classified as water-quality limited due to elevated levels of phosphorus, orthophosphorous, and fecal coliform bacteria. Sediment data for the bayou also indicate elevated levels of arsenic, copper, mercury, zinc, and other trace metals. Wetland restoration and creation offer opportunities to improve both water and sediment quality, and provide additional wetland functions to the Galveston Bay system. The purpose of this study is to help restore and create wetlands in Dickinson Bay and Bayou by developing sound, scientifically based plans for demonstration projects. These plans can also be used as mitigation projects for activities that require compensatory mitigation. This report can also be used to predict potential impacts of future development in the Dickinson Bay area and in the Dickinson Bayou watershed.