Russell questioned what use spillways and structures might be in wetlands.
Structures can make the difference between a wetland being degraded, or
diverse and healthy. A significant example is the regulator built on Moira
Lake in the Barmah-Millewa Forests, on the Murray River. The Lake was being
kept full by the regulated flows in the Murray. A regulator was built to
keep the water out, and allow the lake to dry down in summer, which it used
to do 50 years ago. In a few yearrs the vegetation has come back, and 'carp
soup' has reverted to a wetland supporting large numbers of colonial nesters
such as Ibis and Egrets.
There are many examples along regulated rivers like the Murray of wetlands
which have too much water. Regulators provide the means to keep the water
out in the summer and autumn and restore the natural hydrology for inland
wetlands
Sadly, mangement (which can be very expensive) is necessary for a lot of
wetlands if they are to recover their original (or a different) diversity.
Sorry for the lecture - a hobby horse of mine.
Judy F
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