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The herbaceous vegetation appears to be close to meeting FDER permit
criteria for successful reclamation for this site. Wetland species are reproducing
in
all systems, and wetland species cover already exceeds requirements in the
marsh
system.  Wetland species cover is approaching the required level in the other
systems, and diversity nearly meets, or exceeds, the standard in the forest
and
stream systems.
Cover of the nuisance species, cattail and primrose willow, was 1.2%, 5.6%,
and 2.8%, respectively in the three systems. However, these species accounted
fo
less than 9% of dominance in any system.  Evidence of cattail decline due
to
herbicide application was present in many areas of the wetland.
Survival of planted trees continued to be rather low. After the second year,
less than 20% of the trees have survived in either the forested or stream
systems.
Second-year mortality was rather high in blackgum, but low in red maple and
pop
ash. Pop ash and red maple also appeared to have the most consistent growth
increases. Tree cover of planted species showed a slight increase in the
stream
system, but decreased in the forested system due to tree mortality.  Volunteer
Carolina willow has become the dominant shrub species in much of the wetland.
The growth rate of this species indicates that soil conditions are good in
the wetland
and that natural succession is possible. The abnormally high water levels
during
1991 probably enhanced establishment of the willows and lowered the survival
of
other woody species.  Maintenance of lower water levels in 1992 will favor
the
growth of the planted woody species and should retard further establishment
of
willow seedlings, thus creating a favorable balance of woody species in the
wetland.
This should result in a mix of fast-growing willows which will provide habitat
diversity
at an early date and of longer-lived hardwoods, which will provide long-term
habitat
diversity in the created wetland.
Water levels appears to have increased substantially over those prevalent
during the first year after planting. This apparently has favored the establishment
of
the herbaceous species, but may have resulted in some mortality of tree seedlings.
Wildlife usage of the wetland appears to be strong in a wide variety of types
and
trophic levels, indicating the development of a balanced functioning ecosystem.
Water levels in the future will be controlled within an elevation range from
37
m - 37.3 m (121.5' to 122.5') MSL to ensure that survival of the newly planted
tree
seedlings is not adversely affected by high water levels. The reconnection
of the
IMCF Hookers Prairie wetland reclamation site (which was isolated for mining
in
1985) is planned for spring of 1992. The reconnection will be accomplished
through
a series of culverts placed within the berm that currently isolates the reclamation
area. The culverts will be equipped with flow control devices to maintain
optimum
water levels in the mitigation area. After approximately five years, the
culverts will
be removed and grassed swales will be constructed and contoured to establish
permanent connections to the Prairie.  The resulting system  was designed
to
promote herbaceous growth, as well as tree survival and growth in a manner
similar
to that of the pre-existing natural system.
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