Using wetlands in DREVO Living Mountains

Using wetlands in DREVO Living Mountains

Wetland ecosystems as natural water accumulators, filters, flood control zones and biodiversity centers

Concept

In the projectDREVO Living MountainsMarshes are not considered as useless or excessively wet lands, but as one of the most important parts of the watershed system.

A properly functioning swamp is capable of:

retain water;

reduce the speed of floods;

maintain flow during dry periods;

purify water;

accumulate organic matter;

sequester carbon;

create habitats for many species;

stabilize the microclimate;

reduce the impact of extreme rainfall and drought.

The swamp is not a reservoir in the usual engineering sense, butliving regulatory system, associated with springs, streams, rivers, floodplains, forests and groundwater.

The main principle:

The swamp does not take land away from the watershed; it stores water for the entire landscape.

1. The role of swamps in the system of nine cascades

Wetlands can be present at almost all levels of a watershed, but their functions vary.

The first cascade - ridges and peaks

Large swamps are rare on the peaks, but are possible:

high mountain swampy depressions;

peat bowls;

wet saddles;

areas of snow and melt water accumulation.

Their functions:

melt water retention;

gradual feeding of upper streams;

maintaining soil moisture;

reduction of sudden flood impulses.

Such areas must have the highest level of protection.

Second cascade - upper slopes

Small swampy pockets are created on the upper slopes.

Possible forms:

contour wet depressions;

infiltration bowls;

microreservoirs;

wood-stone water-retaining zones;

areas around groundwater outlets.

Main task:

hold back the water before it gathers into a destructive torrent.

These zones should be small and distributed to avoid provoking landslides and waterlogging of unstable slopes.

The third cascade is the middle slopes.

Here, marsh systems can form:

in natural terraces;

at the foot of the rocky outcrops;

in forest depressions;

near seasonal sources;

in places where organic matter accumulates.

Their functions:

maintaining forest humidity;

accumulation of organic matter;

drought protection;

feeding of microstreams;

creation of fire-resistant damp zones.

The fourth cascade - ravines and streams

In this area, swamps are especially important.

Created:

cascading swampy extensions;

analogues of beaver meadows;

small filtration swamps;

sedge-reed areas;

wooden water-retaining lintels.

Functions:

water slowdown;

sedimentation;

reduction of turbidity;

restoration of permanent flow;

creation of habitats for amphibians and aquatic insects.

The fifth cascade is the foothills

At the foothills, the marsh systems become larger.

Here are created:

infiltration swamps;

seasonal lakes;

flooded meadows;

shallow water reservoirs;

biological treatment zones;

groundwater replenishment systems.

They link the mountain watershed with agriculture.

The sixth cascade is floodplains.

This is the main wetland belt of DREVO Living Mountains.

The following are being restored:

floodplain swamps;

oxbow lakes;

temporarily flooded meadows;

reed beds;

swamp forests;

shallow lakes;

side branches of rivers.

The floodplain swamp receives flood water and releases it gradually.

The Seventh Cascade - River Mouths

In the mouths the following are created and restored:

freshwater marshes;

brackish marshes;

reed fields;

delta shallows;

lagoons;

filtration bioplateau.

Main tasks:

final water purification;

protection of aquifers from salinization;

sediment retention;

restoration of deltas;

creation of spawning grounds.

The Eighth Cascade is a coastal zone.

The following are used here:

salt marshes;

brackish marshes;

lagoon systems;

coastal reed zones;

swampy depressions between the dunes.

They protect the coast from storms and soften the penetration of salt water inland.

The Ninth Cascade is the open sea.

There are no swamps in the open sea, but sea grasses, lagoons and coastal salt marshes perform similar functions:

bind carbon;

retain bottom sediments;

purify water;

create spawning zones;

reduce wave energy.

Thus, the marsh function continues in the marine environment through "blue carbon" ecosystems.

2. Main types of swamps in DREVO Living Mountains

Raised bogs

They feed mainly on sediment.

Peculiarities:

low mineralization;

high sensitivity to changes in water level;

slow peat formation;

unique plant communities.

Usage:

primarily security and monitoring;

engineering intervention is minimal.

Lowland swamps

They feed on:

groundwater;

springs;

surface runoff;

river floods.

They are the ones that are most closely connected with the DREVO Living Mountains system.

Usage:

restoration of water balance;

water purification;

support of springs;

formation of forage and haymaking systems;

biodiversity.

Floodplain swamps

They occur in river valleys.

Functions:

acceptance of floods;

sludge accumulation;

filtration;

temporary storage of water;

restoration of floodplain fertility.

Spring swamps

They form around groundwater outlets.

Functions:

stabilization of water temperature;

protection of the spring outlet;

filtration;

maintaining a constant microclimate.

Such swamps must have a strict protection regime.

Forest swamps

They are a combination of:

trees;

shrubs;

peat soils;

seasonal or permanent waterlogging.

Suitable for:

fire-resistant damp corridors;

accumulation of organic matter;

maintenance of rare species;

formation of transition zones between the forest and the river.

Artificially restored swamps

Created on:

drained floodplains;

old drainage systems;

abandoned quarries;

degraded agricultural lands;

areas of former ponds;

old riverbeds.

The main goal is to restore natural hydrology, not just dig a reservoir.

3. The swamp as a water accumulator

The swamp holds water in several forms:

in open water;

in saturated soil;

in peat;

in vegetation;

in small depressions;

in underground horizons.

The main advantage of the swamp system:

water is stored in a distributed manner;

evaporation is reduced compared to a large open reservoir;

the flow slows down;

ambient humidity is maintained;

groundwater is replenished.

4. Swamp as a protection against floods

During abnormal rainfall, the swamp acts as an extension of the river.

It:

receives part of the flow;

reduces peak speed;

distributes water over an area;

retains wood and sediment;

reduces pressure on bridges and populated areas;

reduces the risk of riverbed destruction.

But a swamp is not an endless reservoir. It must have:

estimated capacity;

safe overflow;

emergency water route;

connection with the floodplain;

protected flood outlet zones.

5. Swamp as protection from drought

During the dry period the swamp:

slowly releases water;

maintains soil moisture;

feeds streams;

supports springs;

reduces overheating;

maintains the viability of forest and meadow communities.

However, it's not true that any swamp will automatically raise water levels throughout the region. The effect depends on:

geology;

connections with aquifers;

depths;

type of peat;

position in the relief;

seasonality.

6. Swamps and spring restoration

Marshes play an important role inMountain Springs Recovery.

They can:

take surface water;

increase infiltration time;

maintain humidity in the feeding area;

protect spring outlets;

filter water;

reduce sharp seasonal fluctuations in flow rate.

Particularly effective:

spring swamps;

swampy forest bowls;

infiltration zones above the source;

floodplain swamps associated with groundwater.

7. Wetlands and agriculture

In DREVO Living Mountains, swamps are not pitted against agriculture.

The following forms of integration are possible.

Wet meadows

Used for:

haymaking;

seasonal grazing;

food base;

growing local moisture-loving grasses.

Paludiculture

Paludiculture is the cultivation of crops on wet and marshy lands without draining them.

Possible crops:

cane;

rug;

sedges;

sphagnum;

marsh berries;

moisture-loving forage plants;

willow crops;

individual medicinal plants.

The product can be used for:

building slabs;

insulation materials;

packaging;

compost;

biomat;

fuel;

feed;

handicraft production.

Floodplain pastures

Used seasonally only.

The following is not allowed:

year-round grazing;

coastal erosion;

trampling of springs;

livestock overload.

Aquaculture

Possible cultivation:

local fish;

shellfish;

aquatic plants.

Only on condition that the management does not destroy the natural functions of the swamp.

8. Swamps and water purification

Marsh vegetation and microorganisms are capable of retaining:

suspended particles;

part of nitrogen;

part of phosphorus;

organic contaminants;

individual metals.

For cleaning the following are created:

reed fields;

bioplateau;

filtration channels;

cascading shallows;

floating islands;

sediment deposition zones.

The swamp should not be used as a dumping ground for untreated toxic waste. At high concentrations of contaminants, it itself becomes a contaminated site.

9. Wetlands and fire resistance

Wet zones can form:

natural fire breaks;

water points;

damp corridors;

safe zones for animals;

reserve water for extinguishing.

But a dried-out peat bog becomes an extremely dangerous source of hidden fire.

Therefore, the following is necessary:

continuous monitoring of water level;

peat temperature sensors;

prohibition of drainage;

restoration of drainage channels in the opposite direction;

emergency power supply;

fire-fighting routes.

10. Swamps and carbon

Undisturbed bogs are capable of accumulating organic matter for a long time.

However, incorrect intervention can cause:

peat oxidation;

carbon dioxide emissions;

increased methane formation;

surface subsidence;

fire.

Therefore, the carbon impact is assessed not by the volume of flooding, but by the entire life cycle of the system.

Top priority:

Do not create a new swamp at the expense of destroying existing peat or other valuable ecosystems.

11. Wetlands and biodiversity

Marsh systems support:

amphibians;

fish;

shellfish;

dragonflies;

water beetles;

birds;

beavers;

otter;

rare plants;

mushrooms;

microorganisms.

The project creates:

areas of open water;

shallow waters;

reed zones;

sedge meadows;

tree islands;

swamp forests;

sand and gravel areas;

temporarily drying out edges.

Diversity of depths and conditions is more important than one big homogeneous swamp.

12. Beavers and beaver dam analogs

Where beavers are a natural part of the ecosystem, their activities can:

slow down water;

restore swamps;

raise the groundwater level;

increase biodiversity;

reduce the speed of floods.

If there are no beavers or their presence is impossible, the following are used:Beaver Dam Analogues:

wooden lintels;

wicker structures;

stone and wood barriers;

living willow dams.

Each structure must have a safe overflow and passage for organisms.

13. Technical architecture of the restored swamp

A properly designed swamp includes several zones.

Zone 1 - Water Inlet

The following are installed here:

sediment traps;

flow distributors;

stone thresholds;

wood barriers.

Zone 2 - Sedimentation

Functions:

sand sedimentation;

retention of coarse silt;

decrease in flow rate.

Zone 3 - biological filtration

Used:

cane;

rug;

sedges;

irises;

local marsh plants.

Zone 4 - Deep Water

Functions:

water reserve;

hibernation of organisms;

temperature stabilization.

Zone 5 - shallow waters

Main biodiversity area.

Zone 6 - Swamp Forest

Formed on the periphery.

Zone 7 - Adjustable Output

Includes:

main overflow;

emergency overflow;

adjustable jumper;

safe reset channel.

14. Artificial islands

Islands are created within large swamps.

Their functions:

nesting sites;

protection from predators;

growth of shrubs;

placement of sensors;

formation of different microclimates.

Islands are created from:

local soil;

wood;

plant mats;

mineral materials.

15. Wood in swamps

Some of the wood should remain in the swamp system.

She:

creates shelters;

retains organic matter;

slows down water;

becomes a substrate for fungi;

supports invertebrates.

Wood is divided into:

ecological;

structural;

strategic for DREVO Timber Reserve.

The strategic reserve is placed only in a specially prepared sector and should not displace natural timber.

16. Swamps and DREVO Timber Reserve

Restored bog complexes may include separate deep sectors for long-term storage of timber.

Such sectors should be:

hydrologically stable;

separated from the natural core;

accessible to robotic control;

protected from drying out;

legally enshrined;

not interfering with water exchange.

17. Monitoring

Living Mountain Observatory monitors:

water level;

peat moisture;

temperature;

pH;

electrical conductivity;

oxygen;

ORP;

methane;

turbidity;

water movement;

sedimentation;

fire risk;

vegetation condition.

18. TREE AeroSense Drone

Used for:

swamp mapping;

vegetation analysis;

search for drying areas;

fire detection;

channel control;

estimates of seasonal flood area.

19. River Rover Scout

Works in open water areas.

Performed by:

water quality measurements;

sonar survey;

depth control;

checking sensors;

detection of contaminants.

20. River Rover Restore

Used for:

closure of drainage channels;

installation of wooden lintels;

planting of plants;

formation of shallow waters;

laying biomats;

restoration of the banks.

21. Mountain Digital Twin

Creates a digital model of the swamp.

The following are simulated:

seasonal filling;

evaporation;

infiltration;

floods;

drought;

peat change;

vegetation distribution;

sediment movement;

fire risk;

connection with springs and the river.

22. TREE AI

Artificial intelligence analyzes:

where it is necessary to raise the water level;

what channels need to be closed;

where to create an overflow;

what plants to use;

where there is a risk of methane;

where the swamp dries up;

which areas should not be touched;

when service is required.

23. Stages of swamp restoration

Stage 1 - Diagnostics

historical hydrology;

soil type;

peat;

vegetation;

drainage;

groundwater;

pollution.

Stage 2 - Eliminating the causes of degradation

closing of drains;

cessation of plowing;

grazing restrictions;

cessation of pollution;

power supply protection.

Stage 3 – Water Recovery

jumpers;

thresholds;

restoration of riverbeds;

adjustable overflows;

seasonal flooding.

Stage 4 – Vegetation restoration

natural regeneration;

planting of native species;

control of invasive plants.

Stage 5 – Animal Recovery

creation of shelters;

spawning grounds;

islands;

migration corridors.

Stage 6 – Monitoring

sensors;

drones;

robots;

digital twin.

24. What not to do

The following is not allowed:

turn a swamp into a concrete reservoir;

drain the natural core;

create deep channels without calculation;

plant one species en masse;

introduce alien animals;

use the swamp as a toxic waste cleanup;

store garbage;

remove dead wood completely;

allow uncontrolled grazing;

artificially flood forests without environmental assessment;

build dams without emergency overflows.

25. Economic model

A wetland can create economic value through:

reduction of flood damage;

improving water security;

haymaking;

paludology;

ecotourism;

scientific programs;

production of biomats;

cultivation of marsh crops;

native plant nurseries;

carbon programs, if verified;

reducing water treatment costs;

support for downstream agriculture.

26. Pilot project

For the first pilot it is advisable to choose:

degraded floodplain;

drained lowland swamp;

old drainage channel system;

a site next to a river being restored.

Basic elements of the pilot:

The values ​​are specified based on local hydrology.

27. Expected results

Proper restoration of swamps allows:

increase water retention;

reduce the speed of floods;

support springs;

raise the groundwater level;

improve water quality;

reduce fire risk;

restore biodiversity;

bring back seasonal flooding;

improve the sustainability of agriculture;

create a long-term storage of organic carbon;

connect mountain watersheds with rivers and coasts.

Mission

In the systemDREVO Living MountainsThe swamp is not the end point of the water, but the most important node in its circulation.

It receives water after heavy rains, retains it, purifies it, distributes it between the soil, groundwater, plants and the river, and then gradually returns it to the surrounding landscape.

If the forest is a living sponge of the slopes, then the swamp isregulating heart of the valley.

It is the combination of forests, springs, streams, floodplains and swamps that allows for the creation of a watershed that:

does not dry out too quickly;

does not destroy valleys with floods;

preserves water for people and nature;

supports life from the mountain top to the sea coast.