Authors:
Rod A. Chimner and David J. Cooper
Book:
Proceedings of the 14th International Peat Congress
Venue:
Stockholm
Keywords:
carbon, ditching, frost-heave, hydrology, peatlands
Documentfile:
Chimner, Cooper 2012: Moutain Fen Restoration in Colorado: An Overview
Summary:
Theme V. Restoration, rehabilitation and after-use of disturbed peatlands
SUMMARY
Peatlands and disturbances to peatlands are common in many mountain ranges. This talk is an overview of restoration approaches that have been conducted in the mountains of Western North America, especially Colorado. Ditches are one of the most common disturbances in mountain fens. The two main methods of ditch restoration are ditch plugging and filling, however, both are more difficult on steep slopes of mountain fens. Successful ditch restoration has been found to improve both water and carbon cycling in the fens, but peat physical properties were still not restored 20 years post-restoration. Other restoration techniques that will be covered include: burial, frost heaving, and erosion control of fens.