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SUCCESSION IN TUNDRA LANDSCAPES AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR POLAR RESTORATION EFFORTS: CASE STUDY OF HERSCHEL ISLAND, YT, CANADA
Session: Permafrost (Other) / Pergélisol (autre)
Heather Cray, University of Waterloo (Canada)
Wayne Pollard, McGill University (Canada)
Stephen Murphy, University of Waterloo (Canada)
This research investigates natural revegetation patterns following permafrost disturbance by retrogressive thaw slumps on Herschel Island, YT. Seven sites were chosen, representing undisturbed areas in addition to 250, 20, and 10 year old stabilized thaw slumps. Species diversity and percent cover of different plant functional groups are presented. Results indicate that distinct vegetation assemblages are associated with each age class, and that changes persist for centuries. Using the natural successional plant communities presented here as a guideline, ecological restoration methods using propagule addition which targets effective natural initial colonizers are suggested. If our goal is to control erosion, create habitat, and enhance freezeback in these landscapes at an accelerated pace, this type of restoration intervention may be necessary and is thus a promising direction for future research.
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