Habitat Development Field Investigations, Bolivar Peninsula Marsh and Upland Habitat Development Site, Galveston Bay, Texas

A 2-1/2-year field investigation was conducted at Bolivar Peninsula, Galveston Bay, Texas, to test the feasibility and impact of developing marsh and upland habitats on dredged material. This report summarizes baseline information derived before habitat development operations and results of post-development operations. Two marsh grass species and nine upland plant species including trees, shrubs, and grasses were planted in test plots on a dredged material site lying between the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway and Galveston Bay. Tests were conducted to measure plant survival and performance in response to different fertilizer treatments and planting methods. Plantings of the marsh grasses were made within an intertidal area protected from wave energies by a sandbag dike. Prior to and during plant development, information was collected to document changes in fish and wildlife communities. After less than a year of development, the site provided heterogeneous habitats which tended to support greater use by fish and benthos than is generally associated with sandy shores along Bolivar Peninsula. The field investigation indicated that habitat development is a feasible dredged material disposal alternative. Includes Appendices A-C. See also Appendix D, AD-A063 781. Report on Dredged Material Research Program.