Developing Wetlands: Construction of Small Wetlands

Many areas in Missouri could potentially be developed into productive wetland communities. If the site is suitable, with minimal construction a landowner can own a piece of this valuable but disappearing habitat without affecting existing farm operations. For technical assistance, check with the Conservation Department or the Natural Resource Conservation Service.

The Conservation Department also can help you develop and manage wetlands on private property. Go to Missouri's Wetlands and Their Management and Where to get help developing a wetland on your land for details on how to contact one of these staff members.

Image Right: Marshes throughout Missouri are important feeding habitats for great blue herons. This one displays its full plumage.

The most important considerations are the objective for the wetland and having an adequate water supply.

An adequate water supply is a very important consideration. The amount of water needed to flood the wetland will depend on the objective of the wetland, topography of site, preferred water depths and substrate soil types. The timing of water availability is also an important consideration in achieving the wetland objective. For example, to be successful for duck hunting, the site must be flooded during the duck season. To be successful as water treatment areas, wetlands need water available during the summer to allow for growth of wetland vegetation.

The water holding ability of the soil is another consideration for a wetland site. Most bottomland soils are suitable for wetland development, but if there is any doubt, consult a soil scientist or take soil tests Sandy soils or soils with sandy inclusions are sometimes found in floodplains. These soil types may prevent wetland management if the permeability of the soil is extremely high. Sites with sandy inclusions may require specific engineering or construction techniques to ensure their water holding capability.

The topography of the site should be as flat as possible to get the most surface area from the water used. A 1 percent slope (a 1 foot rise for each 100 feet in horizontal distance) or less is preferred.

The objective for the wetland will dictate the desired water depth. For example most species of wetland wildlife prefer water depths 10 inches or less for feeding. This is particularly important for wading and shorebirds, If the primary interest is habitat for dabbling ducks such as mallards, pintail and teal, water depths should be 18 inches or less over 75 percent of the pool area. Diving ducks such as scaup, ring-necked ducks and buffleheads, prefer deeper water. Wetlands developed for water quality improvement should be shallow enough, generally less than 12 inches, to allow growth of thick stands of wetland vegetation.

Wetland sites along streams and rivers can be managed to provide spawning and fish rearing areas. Water control structures should be installed that will allow fish movement, and water levels should be maintained throughout the summer months to allow time for young fish to grow. This type wetland should provide some deeper water to moderate high water temperatures that can be prevalent in the summer months. The wetland can then be drained in the fall to allow fish back into the adjacent stream. These wetlands also provide excellent mud-flat habitat in the fall for shorebirds and waders, such as herons and egrets.

Also consider the accessibility of the area, not only for people, but for construction and maintenance needs. Access to the site is necessary for earth moving equipment during construction. And later, farm equipment will be necessary for managing and maintaining the developed wetland.

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