As part of the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board’s Wetlands Program, the permanent lagoon at Martin Bend has been temporarily disconnected from the river in order to start an essential wetland drying phase.
The installation of locks and weirs has significantly altered the natural ebb and flow of water into the river’s wetlands and floodplains, however the drying phase is critical for wetland health.
“Drying is an important part of improving the ecological condition of the lagoon. It allows the wetland bed soils to consolidate, and gives vegetation the opportunity to expand on the newly exposed wetland bed. The drying phase sets up the wetland to flourish with productivity once it’s refilled” said Annie Kriesl, Wetlands Project Officer with the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board.
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