T143 Riparian Ecohydrology and Stream-Aquifer Interactions: Fluxes across the Surface-Subsurface Interface

Tuesday, 6 November 2012
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
213BC

RESTORATION OF THE ULTIMATE RIPARIAN BUFFER SPECIES, RIVERCANE (ARUNDINARIA GIGANTEA), ON THE OCONALUFTEE RIVER FLOODPLAIN, CHEROKEE, NC

Paper number: T143-9
Program: Technical Sessions
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:15 AM

Authors

Abstract

Rivercane (Arundinaria gigantea) is a bamboo native to the southeastern United States that occupies floodplains of low energy rivers and streams throughout the region. Previous research efforts through the Rivercane Restoration Project at Western Carolina University (WCU) have identified physical soil properties common to thriving stands of rivercane: sandy soils, low nutrient levels, and average C:N ratios of 14:1. Saturated hydraulic conductivities typical of sandy soils and very low bulk densities are also common to stands of rivercane in western North Carolina. These well-drained soils serve as a filter for suspended and dissolved sediments as waters move through the system. This information has been incorporated into the most recent and largest known restoration of the plant at the campus of Cherokee Central Schools with the ultimate goal of producing rivercane for use by traditional artisans to make baskets, blowguns, and art. Unfortunately, rivercane is often overlooked as a candidate species for riparian restorations due to the lack of seed sources and labor involved in transplanting bamboos, but the ecological and cultural benefits far outweigh the costs when the work is spread throughout a supportive community.

In the fall of 2010 and spring of 2011, a volunteer labor force of Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian youth and adults, WCU students and faculty, USFS Oconaluftee Job Corps students, and other community members moved 663 culms of rivercane to the site. Over 500 volunteer hours have been logged in this ongoing project. Initial mortality rates were high due to high temperatures and dry conditions during the summer of 2011, but significant new growth has occurred. In April 2011, after one growing season, 513 culms persisted and after two growing seasons, 553 culms persisted. The summer of 2012 has been unusually wet allowing for the burst of new growth; over 100 new culms have sprouted since the April 2012 census. Current aerial photographs show notable cover by rivercane at the site and it is expected that the initial goal to cover the half-acre site within 10 years of the initial transplants will be reached.