CREATING WETLANDS ALONG HIGHWAYS IN WEST VIRGINIA. FINAL REPORT

The objectives were to: (1) locate wetlands situated adjacent to controlled-access highways in West Virginia, (2) determine physical parameters, aesthetic value, wildlife value, and wildlife use of existing wetlands, and (3) develop guidelines for creating wetlands. Data on physical parameters, vegetative structure, wildlife use, and aesthetic value of 96 existing wetlands were used to develop guidelines for creating wetlands. Desirable features of wetlands to provide high aesthetic biological, recreational-educational, and water quality improvement values are discussed. Sites conducive to wetland creation are: (1) waste areas, (2) old stream beds, (3) existing perpendicular streams, (4) parallel drainage channels, (5) intersections, and (6) rest areas.