Investigating Native Bamboo Practices for Reservoir Conservation and Habitat Restoration

Author

Taryn Elizabeth Ann Bieri, Southern Illinois University CarbondaleFollow

Date of Award

5-1-2024

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Forestry

First Advisor

Zaczek, James

Abstract

Reservoirs are an important resource for both humans and wildlife. They provide drinking water, recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat and more. A major issue land managers face on reservoirs is shoreline erosion leading to water quality impairments, sedimentation, and habitat loss. Traditionally, riprap has been used to mitigate this issue, but is costly and has limited ability to provide habitat. A promising measure to mitigate shoreline erosion and provide habitat is the establishment of giant cane [Arundinaria gigantea (Walt.) Muhl], on shorelines. Giant cane, a bamboo species native to southern Illinois and the southeastern United States, forms monodominant stands called canebrakes. Where canebrakes exist soil stabilization occurs, water quality increases, and habitat is utilized by multiple faunal species. Canebrakes are considered critically endangered habitat for several animal species and regrettably have been reduced to only 2% of their historical extent due to land conversion and loss of traditional burning practices by Native Americans. Giant cane rehabilitation and restoration has been a goal of the US Fish and Wildlife Service and Illinois Department of Natural Resources and is identified as a Critical Species in the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan. Many locations could benefit from cane restoration, especially riparian areas and reservoir shorelines. Research has been conducted on the successful propagation of giant cane, but little is known of the establishment and restoration on shorelines. And thus, this study examined factors that affect the survival and growth of giant cane propagules on shorelines of two southern Illinois i reservoirs (Cedar Lake and Kinkaid Lake) in Jackson County, Illinois to successfully establish canebrake habitat and mitigate shoreline erosion. This study consisted of three replications at three different locations (sites) on each of the two reservoirs. Giant cane transplants were planted along two elevations (30 per elevation) at each site, the beach ~20 cm above the normal reservoir pool and upslope (US) about 1 meter above beach transplants. Initial growth (height of the tallest culm and number of culms) was collected prior to transplanting to be used as factors. Survival, height of the tallest culm (cm), number of culms, and amount of spread (cm) were collected following each of the three growing seasons after planting. Canopy cover (%) was collected after the second growing season on Kinkaid Lake and soil properties (bulk density, texture, and nutrients) were measured on both reservoirs after the third growing season. Key takeaways were 1) significantly greater survival occurred among transplants in the US position (43.8% for the US vs 3.3% for the beach for Cedar Lake and 82.2% for the US vs 67 for the beach for Kinkaid Lake), 2) elevations with lower bulk density and greater organic matter trended toward greater rates of height and culm density and 3) initial height and number of culms had a positive influence on culm density and height after 3 growing seasons. The major takeaway was that much of the mortality was due to shoreline erosion of beach transplants that were missing and washed away. For greater survival, transplants of giant cane should be planted up slope from the beach and the normal pool elevation. It is important to plant outside of the zone which may experience regular flooding and/or wave action from boat traffic or winds. For long term growth, looking at soil parameters may be advantageous. Though giant cane has been shown to grow in various soil conditions, this study did see increased spread and number of culms where organic matter was ii greater and bulk density lower. Larger transplants should be favored to aid in greater future growth and establishment. The findings of this study can help guide the efforts of land managers in the successful establishment of giant cane on reservoir shorelines.