Restoring the channel edge: Assessing Canada Goose (Branta canadensis) exclosures and transplanted Carex lyngbyei at the Little Qualicum River estuary

This applied research project documents restoration of low-diversity stands of Carex lyngbyei along tidal channels (Carex-Channel Edge) at the Little Qualicum River estuary using exclosures and transplantation of healthy rootstock, and explores environmental factors associated with plant biomass. The feeding behaviour of overabundant resident Canada geese (Branta canadensis) has caused extensive loss of this plant community. While exclosures facilitate recolonization of denuded marsh sediments, goose herbivory impacts continue outside exclosures. Therefore, a vegetation survey performed in 1978 and in 2005 was repeated in this ARP to document long-term trends in overall plant community composition. C. lyngbyei continues to decline across the estuary while several disturbance and salt-adapted species are increasing. Proxies for biomass can facilitate monitoring of plant responses to restoration treatments. Continued Canada goose population management is crucial. Future efforts should focus attention on restoration of morphological features, strategies for highly degraded areas, and the role of successional processes.