Boundary Bay Tidal Marsh Restoration Project

The accumulation of dense log debris along the Boundary Bay dike is impeding the growth of native vegetation and preventing the marsh from operating as a fully functional wetland. Baseline surveys indicate most debris slated for removal is of human origin (e.g., saw logs, construction materials, creosote pilings), which lack root wads and branches that would typically anchor driftwood in place. Instead, these logs move and roll freely during high tide events, smothering plant life and compacting sediments within the marsh.

Baseline surveys and historical air photos indicate that much of this material has been present for many decades, having arrived during rare extreme high tide or storm events. Without human intervention, this debris material is likely to continue smothering the marsh in perpetuity.

Driftwood is a natural feature in coastal marshes that can increase habitat complexity for fish and wildlife. Large root wads and branches serve as perches for birds and large diameter logs provide a safe haven above the tide line for native shrubs and herbs to establish. Logs that possess these features will be marked prior to construction and will not be removed.