Maureen Ellis wrote: Regarding the planted/roped off pond at Montlake: I
was part of the restoration ecology group that planted the native trees
and shrubs at the pond. The aim WAS to increase the length of time for
standing water at that site to enhance waterfowl habitat.

This is a situation that has occurred at Magnuson Park as natural
succession
has allowed small trees to grow around the small, seasonal ponds at the
south end of the Park near the entrance. It isn't at all clear that trees
and shrubs will slow water loss from the sites, since increased
transpiration by the vegetation will increase loss. Also, unless the
exposed mudflats and water surface are extensive, water birds will be
reluctant to be "trapped" by the surrounding vegetation as it becomes
taller. Vegetation also provides cover for terrestrial predators. It
seems to me that the best use of dense vegetation (blackberries, Rosa
rugosa, etc.) is to prevent access by humans and, to a lesser extent,
dogs.

For future reference: the Mag. Park Community proposal calls for restoring
Mud Lake by dredging, the creation of mud flats for shorebirds and the
construction of a riparian barrier surrounding the whole works. Looks like
Montlake on a larger scale.

Herb Curl
Seattle WA

h.curl at hazmat.noaa.gov "You may be only young once but you can be
Hazmat/NOAA, 7600 Sand Pt. Wy., NE immature the rest of your life."
Seattle, WA 98115-0070
(206) 526-6272