Habitat Restoration & Protection Database

Mosquito ditches were installed prior to 1934, and a tide gate was installed in 1936. Mill Meadows has degraded over the years due to the past installation of a tidegate and an undersized culvert at Elm Street, which restricts the natural flow of water in and out of the marsh. The restriction of flow affects the marsh's natural patterns of circulation, sedimentation, and salinity. The vegetation north of Elm Street and south of I-95 is dominated by monoculture of Phragmites australis. Narrow-leaved cattail, jewelweed, swamp rose, and royal fern were also observed in this area suggesting low soil water salinities. This restoration site was first identified through a Coastal America partnership project with Connecticut DEP and Connecticut DOT. The investigation determined that the culvert connecting this wetland to the Oyster River was undersized and causing a depression of the high water elevation by over 1½ feet. Furthermore, research has shown that the marsh had once been drained by a tide gate which explains the low marsh elevations (i.e., subsidence) upstream of the culvert. DEP applied for Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act (ISTEA)* funds through CT DOT for design and construction. Milone & MacBroom Inc. developed final design plans that would restore tidal flows to the wetland while providing flood protection to adjacent low-lying properties.