Little River Salt Marsh Restoration
North Hampton , NH

Funding Recipient:   New Hampshire Coastal Program
Total Project Cost:  $85,000

The Little River Salt Marsh is a back barrier marsh lying between Little Boar's Head in North Hampton and a rocky headland just south of North Shore Road in Hampton. USDA soil maps indicate that originally the marsh covered approximately 193 acres. Prior to restoration, most of the original marsh was seriously deteriorated and the extent of viable salt marsh was dramatically reduced. Marsh deterioration was linked to the area lacking a proper connection to the ocean allows adequate tidal flow in the marsh. In 1890, the forerunner to the last culvert was installed. This structure was replaced by a 30" pipe in 1929 and by a 48" culvert in 1948. Inadequate tide flow created by these structures is responsible for the replacement of characteristic salt marsh plants (salt meadow cord grass and spike grass) by invasive plants (Phragmites, narrow leaf cattail, and purple loosestrife). In addition, the inadequate connection with the ocean has caused serious flooding problems; storm flows from the Little River do not have a stable outlet from the marsh.

In an effort to restore the health and function of this extensive salt marsh, the culvert was again replaced. A study by the Army Corps of Engineers recommended replacing the current structure with a 6 foot by 24' box culvert. Some dredging of the marsh creeks was also completed due to over 100 years of siltation and to replicate a meandering stream through the marsh (in contrast to the current straight channel) to limit erosion. The project was successfully completed in 2001.

This project will lead to the restoration of 150 acres of salt marsh. More salt water and less fresh water will enter the pannes, smaller creek channels and upper marsh. Invasive plants such as Phragmites will die-off, improving bird habitat, of particular importance to wading birds. The larger opening should increase the potential for fish to enter and exit the marsh, a benefit of great importance to anadromous and catadromous fish species such as shad and American eel. There is an anticipated change in the marsh type due to submergence; a change to low marsh is possible which will increase the potential for ribbed mussels to inhabit the area as well as other low marsh species.

Rollie Schmitten standing by the new Little River culvert		Little River culvert showing modifications to prevent rocks from filling it up		Looking upstream into the Little River marsh

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