Re: [vernalpool] using a retention basin to create a wetland

Hi Phillip,

The "inlet pond" is a sediment forebay. This is a place for the sedimnt to settle out before it enters the bigger pond. The forebay will probably need to be cleaned out more frequently than the other retention pond. It is important to remember than all stormwater structures/ponds, no matter how nice the habitat is for critters within them, do need to be maintained, some more frequently than others. Often I see the two ponds separated by a riprap divider or level spreader.

There are several good stormwater manuals online - look for state of Washington, Massachuetts, Wisconsin, and stormwater. EPA also has very good resources.

As to plants, I would stay away from cattails initially as many people see them as weeds, and will be anxious to control them. If they are in the area they will come in without your help and take over the ponds a little futher into the future. I person ally love cattails and nesting redwing blackbirds... different species of frogs have different preferences for shoreline vegetation. Use plants common in wetlands that have the species you want to attract. I also suggest all natives and plants that bloom, such as caltha palustris, pickerelweed, Saggitaria species, etc.

I hope this helps - have fun with it.

Karro

Sent from my Android Phone

-----Original message-----
From: PHILLIP BONN <philbo5678@verizon.net>
To: "vernalpool@yahoogroups.com" <vernalpool@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Fri, Apr 20, 2012 02:05:53 GMT+00:00
Subject: [vernalpool] using a retention basin to create a wetland

Hello everyone,

I have been given the opportunity to design and create a wetland habitat for
frogs using a retention basin being built for a retail development.
There will be two basins constructed, one a third the size of the other, the
smaller one would be the inlet 'pond'.

What I would like if someone could point me to some online resources
regarding the best practices in the construction of a 'wetland'.
Specifically about the need for a zone to trap coarse sediment and also to
play an energy dissipation role to reduce disturbing the vegetation. I have
yet to find good detailed information on a design for one.

Also I would appreciate any suggestions on the best mix of plants for the
'wetland' that would promote usage by frogs and others. Currently I have in
mind the following: cattails, marsh marigold [Caltha palustris], Joe Pye
weed [Eupatorium purpureum], turtlehead [Chelone glabra] and a few others.

Any help would be appreciated

Phillip Bonn
Manlius Greenspace Coalition
Fayetteville, NY

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