Author Type

Graduate Student

Date of Award

2001

Document Type

Thesis

Publication Status

Version of Record

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Gallagher, Jacqueline

Abstract

This study focused on whether wetland vegetation could become re-established on a newly restored floodplain of the Kissimmee River if seasonal floodplain inundation were re-established. The wetland was re-created by back-filling a section of the Kissimmee Canal and diverting water flow into remnant river meanders. Seasonal flooding did occur during the study period. There were no other interventions to promote wetland plant growth. Ten vegetation quadrats were stratified between the back-filled canal and adjacent floodplain. These quadrats were monitored for 11 months. Of the 68 plant species recorded, 72% were obligate, facultative wetland or aquatic species. Diversity, richness, and percent cover of wetland plants increased with time. Coverage of broadleaf marsh habitat increased with increasing water depths. Vegetation at the end of the study period was similar to pre-channelized estimates. Restoration of hydrologic fluctuations appears sufficient to re-establish wetland habitat in this area of the Kissimmee River basin.

Extent

76 p.

Comments

Charles E. Schmidt College of Science|Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2001.|Charles E. Schmidt College of Science

Identifier

FADT12844

Format

pdf

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