Salt Marsh Management

Narragansett Bay and the islands are fringed by some 3,600 acres of salt marsh which provide many valuable functions. Unfortunately, two species of mosquitoes can be produced in tremendous numbers from this habitat. Large "broods" of adults can occur following the highest monthly tides, which hatch eggs that were deposited in the higher elevations of the marsh. the MAC Office conducts salt marsh water management projects with specialized low-ground-pressure machines. These projects involve altering the water regime to reduce stagnant pools, and to enhance predation of larvae by fish.

The MAC Office also partners with other agencies and organizations on projects aimed at restoring salt marshes utilizing water management and other techniques. Many acres of RI salt marshes have been degraded due to human intervention. Roadways, dikes, undersized culverts and excess runoff from adjacent upland development have altered the tidal regime and soil salinity, such that undesirable invasive plant species thrive.