The Nature Conservancy (TNC) owns the 2,200-acre Erie Marsh Preserve, a complex of impounded coastal wetlands, agricultural fields, and open water associated with North Maumee Bay on Lake Erie. TNC manages the property with the Erie Shooting and Fishing Club (ESFC), who retain a hunting lease on the property. Over the past several decades, invasion by phragmites and an inadequate water management infrastructure has resulted in a decrease in the quality of the wetland habitat at Erie Marsh. DU has entered into separate partnerships with TNC and the ESFC to improve habitat at Erie Marsh as described: DU and ESFC are restoring coastal wetland habitat through the control of phragmites. In 2005, 277 acres of phragmites-dominated coastal wetland was sprayed with AquaMaster herbicide donated by Monsanto Company. In 2006, the dead phragmites was burned to provide conditions suitable for the germination of beneficial aquatic plants. DU will continue working with ESFC to restore and manage additional wetland habitat at Erie Marsh.

DU has been hired by TNC to provide engineering services at Erie Marsh. In 2006, DU completed a detailed topographic survey on 900 acres contained within the levee system. This survey provides the baseline information needed for DU to design a variety of options for improving the water level management infrastructure. DU expects to complete the design options in spring 2007 and then work with TNC and others to implement the design.