PLANT COMPOSITION OF MITIGATED WETLANDS IN 
EASTERN UPPER MICHIGAN

DEREK D. HARNED
School of Science and Natural Resources
Lake Superior State University
Sault Ste. Marie, MI  49783



	The creation of wetland is becoming a more common practice of Natural Resource
agencies. Research on these created wetlands is ongoing but much is still unknown about
several factors that will ensure optimal utilization by wildlife. Plant composition is one oF
the primary factors and possibly the limiting factor for many species of wildlife found in a
mesic habitat. The objective of this study was to compare species diversity of emergent
and submergent vegetation in 3 differently designed wetlands. The wetlands located in
the Munuscong Wildlife Management Area, Chippewa County, were all constructed in
1992. Three wetlands of each design were sampled using a transect plot method on 25
and 30 August 1995. Transects were oriented in cardinal directions, recording
submergent species in up to 0.5 m water depth and emergent species in up to 1.0 m water
depth. Percent coverage of both emergent and submergent herbacious vegetation was
estimated in each sample plot. Shannon-Weaver indices were calculated for submergent
and emergent vegetation in each wetland. ANOVA was used to determine that there was
no ditference in species diversity between the three construction designs. In conclusion,
by requiring developers to create new wetlands, their loss can be reduced and research of
the wetlands can offer data that will assist biologists when future wetlands are planned on
similiar soil types.


Selected Reference

Bolen, E. G., and W.L. Robinson. 1995. Wildlife Ecology and Management, Third
Edition. Prentice Hall, Inc.

Wasilco, M.R., and G.J. Soulliere. 1993. Initial Waterbird use of created wetlands in
Eastern Upper Michigan. M.D.N.R  Wildlife Division Report #3223.