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Changes in shoreline vegetation over a 50-year period in the Delta Marsh, Manitoba in response to water levels

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Abstract

Prior to 1961, the water levels of Lake Manitoba and the adjacent Delta Marsh fluctuated synchronously with a range of more than 2.2 m. Since 1961, the water level of Lake Manitoba has been regulated to fluctuate less than 0.6 m. Aerial photographs were used to quantify changes between the pre- and postregulation distribution ofTypha species,Phragmites australis, andScolochloa festucacea along elevation gradients in the marsh. Pre-regulation shorelines were dominated byPhragmites. After regulation,Typha expanded up the elevation gradient, encroaching onPhragmites, and expanded down the gradient, invading shallow water. This study suggests that with continued stable water levelsTypha will expand further along the elevation gradient leading to the eventual in-filling of the Delta Marsh.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Botany, University of Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

    Jennifer M. Shay

  2. British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Integrated Resources Policy Branch, 1450 Government Street, V8Y 3E7, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

    Petronella M. J. de Geus

  3. Department of Botany, University of Manitoba, R3T 2N2, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

    Margaret R. M. Kapinga

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  1. Jennifer M. Shay
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  2. Petronella M. J. de Geus
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  3. Margaret R. M. Kapinga
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Shay, J.M., de Geus, P.M.J. & Kapinga, M.R.M. Changes in shoreline vegetation over a 50-year period in the Delta Marsh, Manitoba in response to water levels. Wetlands 19, 413–425 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03161773

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03161773

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