Abstract - Extended drawdown effects on a lakeshore

We examined the potential contribution of the propagule bank to revegetation of a reservoir shoreline after a 4-year drawdown. Sediment samples taken along transects from the shoreline to the lowered waterline at 16 locations were placed in four water level treatments [flooded (CF), fluctuate at 2 (FI) or 4(FII) week intervals, moist soil (MS)] and three water source treatments [Par Pond (P), Pond B (B), and Savannah River (S)] that reflected management options for refilling. Water level, but not water source, influenced species composition and richness. CF cores, with aquatic and emergent species, had lowest richness and were dissimilar in composition to the other water level treatments. Water level and water source influenced per-core cover and biomass. CF cores had the least cover and mass of the water level treatments. S water cores had greater cover and mass than the other water source treatments. After an extended drawdown, the propagule bank can contribute to shoreline revegetation; management decisions will influence propagule bank expression and can affect species composition, diversity, and growth of vegetation.