Lessons Learned: Implementing Managed RealignmentAnd Restoring Tidal Wetlands In Nova Scotia

This presentation will examine how monitoring of past tidal wetland restorations has been used to inform design, implementation, and adaptive management of current projects in Nova Scotia, Canada.  Over the last 15 years, CBWES, Saint Mary’s University and the Province have restored close to 400 ha of tidal wetland habitat through culvert replacement, impoundment breaches and dyke realignment.  Standardized pre and 5-year post restoration monitoring plans have provided valuable lessons that are being applied to upcoming projects. These include modified installation of standard equipment such as RSETs to fit the unique conditions in NS, determining best practices regionally to channel network design and implementation in a macro-tidal environment, and how and when to employ adaptive management techniques. Finally, this presentation will consider the importance of effective communication in tidal wetland restoration in a multi-disciplinary and multi-jurisdictional environment.