ERIE Research Projects

ERIE Practicum Project 2009: Developing Restoration Plan for Local Oxbow in West Seneca NY

Participants:

ERIE Fellows: Nate Drag (American Studies); Bernie Clabeaux (Biology); Stacey Blersh and Shannon Seneca (Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering); Michael Habberfield (Geography); and Robert Earle (Philosophy)

Faculty: David Blersch, Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering

Research Partners/Collaborators:Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper (grant recipient); National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (project sponsor)

Key terms:

Oxbow, Restoration, Watershed Plan, Wetland

Summary:

This proposed project is the development of a watershed restoration plan for a local oxbow wetland site in the Town of West Seneca. ERIE trainees will participate as part of their requirement for the 2009 ERIE Ecosystem Restoration Practicum Course. The plan will focus on the protection and restoration of 28 acres of floodplain forest and wetland, including one of the only remaining riparian wetland in 37.2 miles of the Buffalo River/Buffalo Creek watershed. Initial restoration efforts will focus on 14 acres of the site, that were recently acquired by town of West Seneca. The development of this watershed plan requires the coordination of technical, political, and socio-economic expertise. Some tasks for ERIE trainees are how to reduce the spread of invasive plant species in the upper watershed and to determine the hydrology and water quality of the site.

ERIE trainees are working closely with the Buffalo Niagara Riverkeeper, the project grant recipient, to develop the plan according to accepted guidelines and methodologies. ERIE trainess will work on the project for the Fall 2009 semester.