Allowing salt marshes to grow with non-native plants may be preferable. Trying to reverse the problem of non-native plants inhabiting salt marshes by removing non-native plants might be the same issue as introducing the non-native plants in the first place. Once the immigrant plants are already in the salt marsh, it is unnecessary to create more issues by removing the plants. If it is impossible to restore the marsh with native plants without removing the non-native plants, than the non-native plants may be removed.
For example, Hurricane Sandy hit Jamaica Bay Wildlife very hard. One of the water areas that was previously comprised of manmade freshwater is now merged with the salty waters of the bay. There is a discussion at the refuge about whether or not to restore that water. When I was there, I wasn’t sure about what the best solution would be – either replacing the freshwater or keeping it mixed with seawater. However, I think the seawater from Sandy should remain. There is reason argue for the replacement of the freshwater for the sake of the birds that stop by the Jamaica refuge. Yet, I think it is still preferable to leave the area alone and let nature run its course. The birds can find other freshwater areas around Queens to visit.
Additionally, perhaps the non-native plants can adapt, evolve, and eventually metamorphose to the point in which they are looked at as semi native salt marsh plants. Who is to say whether or not these plants will still be looked at as non-native in hundreds or thousands of years. This concept is similar to new immigrants arriving to the United States and being unwelcomed. However, many years later those previously non-native people are welcomed with open arms. This occurred with Southern Italians and Jews in the last century.
Salt marshes are mixed with non-native plants and perhaps that is our own faults. Regardless, leave the salt marshes alone. Let nature do its job. Examples from Hurricane Sandy and history point to letting non-native plants or people create their own niche even in areas that may not have been previously their own.
