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Dr. Beth Middleton

U.S Geological Survey

Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Lafayette, LA

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What Next?

Flood and Drought

in the Big Thicket National Preserve

BACKGROUND RESEARCH

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American Bald Cypress and Climate Change

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What are the benefits of wetlands?

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Natural Resources

Timber

Water Use for Individuals and Industry

Hunting and Fishing

Recreation

Other Benefits of Cypress Swamps….

Trees remove co2 from the air and minimize the greenhouse effect. Swamps produce plant material which builds elevation.

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Wetlands are a hurricane buffer.

The trees take a beating for us and decrease the strength of storms.

THE PROBLEM: Climate Changes

• Southeast Texas will experience more extreme events as it is becoming hotter and drier.
• We are having more severe and frequent storms and hurricanes.
• The coastal environment is changing. Sea level rises are bringing more salinity.
• It is estimated by 2050 we will have a Megadrought lasting 30 years.

How do we manage in anticipation of these predicted climate changes?

Population Growth

As the world’s population grows, how do we ensure healthy, sustainable wetland ecosystems capable of providing continual benefits?

HYPOTHESIS

In the future wetlands may be altered by climate change because of shifts in water fluctuation, salinity intrusion, CO2 levels, and storm intensity.

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EXPERIMENT: Conduct Tests and Collect Data

Observe Cypress Trees:

• Dropping Needles
• Peeling Bark

Measure:

• Root Ingrowth
• Tree Growth using a Dendrometer
• Leaf Litter
• Salinity levels

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Researcher Shui Yung

ANALYZE DATA AND DRAW CONCLUSIONS:

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Death Rate of Baldcypress Chart

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Trees over 60 feet >20m- 7.7%

-10-20m 50%

Trees less than 30 feet <10 m 81.3%

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Cypress trees can tolerate wind but not salinity.

Young trees are dying!

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Research Findings

Trees in Texas are growing the least.

There are RELIC FORESTS of old growth but few baby trees.

Trees also grow faster along the Upper Neches River.

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Trees grow better in Louisiana with more freshwater.

The Findings

Cypress trees in Texas swamps are not regenerating.

There are NO seedlings or saplings

Salinity is deadly to the health of American Bald Cypress!

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What Can be Done?

Use satellite images to identify stressed areas.

Start thinking in terms of the WHOLE river concept and whole problem analysis.

Plan to protect wetlands with thoughtful urban development and management.

Improve group problem solving skills and communication among partners.

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COMMUNICATE RESULTS

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Become Involved!

Dr. Middleton developed a research network in baldcypress swamps, the North American Bald Cypress Swamp Network. She invites other researchers to work in the Big Thicket, other sites in the southeastern United States, and worldwide.

Thank you, Dr. Middleton

Guest Speaker

at Kountze High School,

Oct. 2, 2017

The End

Participants

Dr. Beth Middleton- US Geologic Survey Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Thicket of Diversity- Mona A. Halvorsen and Mary C. Johnston

Kountze ISD- Lailah Wilburn, and classes of Mary C. Johnston, Laurie Overstreet, Leitha Gunter, and Lisa Mitcham

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This project was made possible with funding

from The Brown Foundation, Inc. to the Big Thicket Association.

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