ME marsh patches forPriority

<span style='color:rgb(32, 31, 30); font-family:&quot;Segoe UI&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Web (West European)&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, sans-serif; font-size:14.6667px;'>This data is intended to provide those interested in salt marsh and Saltmarsh Sparrow conservation with information that will help with conservation implementation. It identifies areas containing salt marsh that are good candidates for restoration, enhancement, and/or conservation to provide persistent high-quality Saltmarsh Sparrow nesting habitat in the next 10 years in addition to long-term salt marsh resilience. High-quality habitat for the Saltmarsh Sparrow includes high marsh patches with the lowest flooding frequency that provide a window of at least 24 days with limited flooding, and are characterized by extensive and dense Spartina patens vegetation with a deep, well-developed thatch layer. Short-form S. alterniflora, Distichlis spicata, and Juncus gerardii also comprise high marsh areas and can support Saltmarsh Sparrow nesting. The highest quality habitat is most often found in the least modified marshes, such as those without ditching, or that are downstream, or free of tidal restrictions like road crossings.</span><br /><br /><span style='color:rgb(32, 31, 30); font-family:&quot;Segoe UI&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI Web (West European)&quot;, &quot;Segoe UI&quot;, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, &quot;Helvetica Neue&quot;, sans-serif; font-size:14.6667px;'>Marshes are characterized as &quot;Priority, &quot;Reference&quot;, and &quot;Honorable Mention&quot;. &quot;Priority&quot; marshes have been prioritized for ongoing restoration planning and action to support the Saltmarsh Sparrow. &quot;Reference&quot; marshes are less degraded and can act as reference marshes for restoration efforts in the state. Long-term preservation of these areas and the open space around them to facilitate long-term marsh migration is important, but no immediate restoration action is suggested for them. &quot;Honorable mention&quot; marshes were identified by the partner group as important to keep in mind and further assess for future work, but of lower priority than &quot;Priority&quot; marshes.</span>