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MANUAL FOR ASSESSMENT OF BOTTOMLAND HARDWOOD FUNCTIONS
Citation:
Adamus, P., R. Smith, AND T. Muir. MANUAL FOR ASSESSMENT OF BOTTOMLAND HARDWOOD FUNCTIONS. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, D.C., EPA/600/3-90/053.
Description:
This manual outlines a procedure for qualitatively assessing the functions and values of bottomland hardwoods (BLH). he procedure is based on the Wetland Evaluation Technique (WET) and for this reason is referred to as WET-BLH. etland functions are the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics and processes of a wetland. etland values are the results of wetland functions that are beneficial to society. ET-BLH evaluates the following functions: ground water discharge, floodflow alteration, sediment stabilization, sediment/toxicant retention, nutrient removal/transformation, production export, finfish habitat, crayfish habitat, and wildlife habitat, and values: ecological significance, economic significance, cultural and recreational significance. ET-BLH evaluates functions in terms of effectiveness and opportunity, and values in terms of social significance. ffectiveness assesses the capability of a wetland to perform a function based on its physical, chemical or biological characteristics. pportunity assesses the opportunity of a wetland to perform a function. ocial significance assesses the value of a wetland to society based on its strategic location, official status or designations, and natural features.