The effect of intertidal sediment fences on wetland surface elevation, wave energy and vegetation establishment in two Louisiana coastal marshes

Intertidal sediment fences, made from recycled Christmas trees, were built in Louisiana USA, to increase sediment trapping and promote revegetation of submerged vegetation on mudflats. We consider here the effects of Christmas tree fences on wave characteristics, sediment aggradation and vegetation response. Wave energy at the bed decreased 50% across the monitored fences, while elevation increased in the shadow area up to + 3.3 cm yr(-1) depending on the initial water depth. Part of one site experienced revegetation with submerged and emergent vegetation after three years, while other stations remained uncolonized. Factors affecting the pace and success of plant colonization are discussed. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.