Supervised by:

Line Rochefort (Regular member)

Research project description

Restoring ecohydrological connectivity in peatlands

IntroductionIn this Decade for Ecosystem Restoration, connectivity, and by extension the continuity of ecological processes and services between ecosystems, is of recognized importance (Timpane-Padgham et al., 2017). Areas bordering anthropogenic disturbances are like artificial ecotones where it is imperative to understand the ecology, if we are to restore them. However, since ecotones present gradients (topographical, chemical, etc.) of varying intensity (Van der Maarel, 1990), their restoration is all the more complex. The ecology of ecotone restoration has received little consideration. For example, not much literature can be found on the reconnection to the landscape of restored Sphagnum peatlands (bogs; (Howie et van Meerveld, 2016; Paradis et Rochefort, 2017). My study focuses on partly restored peatlands, where various disturbances (artificial ecotones like abrupt transitions, drainage ditches and access or maintenance roads) still cause ruptures with the adjacent ecosystem. ObjectivesMy project aims to develop knowledge on the restoration of bog connectivity. My research models are (1) artificial margins created by horticultural peat extraction and (2) the access or maintenance roads. Some of these features were restored in different location (ecotones reprofiled in 2013-2023; and access roads dismantled in 2019-2022); they will be used as restoration chronosequences and compared to natural peatland models. The success of these approaches will be evaluated using quantitative and qualitative parameters, including the return of ecohydrological and physicochemical connectivity towards typical undisturbed ecosystems. Adding to the chronosequence, new experimental approaches enhanced with habitat heterogenization methods will be tested for their effectiveness (effect on water table and wildlife dispersal). Of key importance for landscape-scale restoration, my project will underpin knowledge of connectivity and the restoration of ecological gaps. Study sitesThe chronosequence (n = 5 sites, 2-12 years post-restoration) of ecotones includes sites in Quebec (QC), Alberta (AB), Manitoba (MB) and New Brunswick (NB). Three triplicated treatments (gentle slope, steep slope or no treatment) will be tested in new experimental devices (n = 3; QC, AB et NB) aiming to reprofile disturbed ecotones. These newly restored ecotones will be enhanced for wildlife with habitat creation (large woody debris, open water pools; Quinty et al., 2020) that also improve water retention in the ecotone (Yamoah, 2023). At last, a chronosequence of dismantled and reprofiled access roads will be evaluated for ecohydrological and physicochemical connectivity (QC, AB and MB, n = 5 sites, 2-5 years post-restoration) and at least one new experimental road restoration approach will be installed and evaluated (n = 1, AB). Material and methodsVarious parameters will be assessed along replicated transects established perpendicular to ecotones or access roads, then compared to unrestored negative controls and reference sites (undisturbed peatland ecotones; positive controls). Plant communities (composition, abundance, tree height) will be assessed, as will canopy openness. Environmental conditions will be measured, such as continuous temporal variation in water table depth, peat decomposition, soil physico-chemistry, etc. At the landscape scale, remote sensing and high-resolution topographic mapping tools will be used. Multivariate and/or Bayesian analysis of the data will be performed. ReferencesLefebvre‐Ruel S, […], Rochefort L. 2019. Ecohydrological gradients and their restoration on the periphery of extracted peatlands. Restor. Ecol. 27, 782-792. Paradis E, Rochefort L. 2017. Management of the margins in cutover bogs: ecological conditions and effects of afforestation. Wetl. Ecol. Manag. 25, 177-190. Pouliot K, Rochefort L, […]. 2021. The Burial Under Peat Technique: an innovative method to restore Sphagnum peatlands impacted by mineral linear disturbances. Front. Earth Sci. 9, 658470. Quinty F, […], Rochefort L. 2020. Guide de restauration des tourbières. GRET, CSPMA et APTHQ. Québec. Timpane-Padgham BL, […]. 2017. A systematic review of ecological attributes that confer resilience to climate change in environmental restoration. PLOS ONE 12, e0173812. Van der Maarel E. 1990. Ecotones and ecoclines are different. J. Veg. Sci. 1, 135-138. Yamoah F. 2023. Hydrology of natural and constructed ecotones surrounding peatlands in southeastern Manitoba. MSc thesis, Brandon U.

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