When Europeans first arrived in New England, the coastline had vast salt marshes and unobstructed riparian habitats. As the population grew, so did the changes to the landscape. Salt marshes were filled in for development and rivers dammed for industrial and agricultural purposes.
What we didn’t realize was the long term and negative impacts on biodiversity, water quality and coastal resiliency. Over the last 2 decades state, local municipalities and nonprofits have collaborated to restore aquatic habitats.
On The Point we talk about some of the past and current aquatic restoration projects in the region, and what we’re learning as those habitats return to a more natural state.
Joining us :
Beth Lambert- Director of the Division of Ecological Restoration with the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game.
Mike Lach- Executive Director of Harwich Conservation Trust.
Brian Wick is the Executive Director of the Cape Cod Cranberry Grower’s Association
Nick Nelson, Fluvial Geomorphologist
Eduard Eichner, Water Scientist, TMDL Solutions and Adjunct Professor at the Coastal Systems Program at the School for Marine Science and Technology at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth
Chris Neil, Senior Scientist Woodwell Climate Research who studies natural and restored ecosystems around the globe- including some right here on the Cape!
Projects mentioned in the show
Cold Brook Restoration
Coonamessett River Restoration
Mashpee River Restoration
Herring River Restoration
Restoring bog habitat
