The Allouez Bay wetland complex is an Area of Special Natural Resource Interest located in the St. Louis River Estuary. A crucial habitat for native plants and wildlife, these high-quality wetlands are being degraded by non-native species, including invasive cattail (Typha angustifolia and Typha x glauca). The Allouez Bay Marsh Bird Habitat Restoration project aims to manage invasive cattails to protect diverse wetland plant communities and enhance hemi-marsh habitat for marsh birds and other wildlife as part of the first phase of the Restoration Vision for Allouez Bay. Funding for this project was provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative. In collaboration with the Audubon Great Lakes and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, GEI provided restoration design documentation and permit preparation in advance of project implementation. The Allouez Bay Marsh Bird Habitat Restoration Team’s plan included the diversification of native vegetation, mechanical control of non-native cattail, and the creation of a hemi-marsh habitat by excavation of dense cattail stands. The inclusion of hemi-marsh habitat increases wetland interspersion and creates greater habitat diversity within the wetlands. Restoration of the marsh wetlands provides important habitat for fish, birds, and other wildlife, and promotes resilient ecosystems throughout the St. Louis watershed. . Cutting of cattail below the water surface began in late summer of 2024 and hemi-marsh creation excavation is planned for late fall or early winter of 2024. Construction will be accompanied by seeding and planting of vegetation native to Allouez Bay, followed by rigorous vegetation and avian monitoring, which will document effects of restoration and advise the need for follow-up restoration actions. This poster will present an overview of the design concepts and progress of restoration.
