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REMOTE DETENTION OF INVASIVE AND OPPORTUNISTIC PLANT SPECIES IN GREAT LAKES COASTAL WETLANDS
Citation:
Lopez, R D. AND C M. Edmonds. REMOTE DETENTION OF INVASIVE AND OPPORTUNISTIC PLANT SPECIES IN GREAT LAKES COASTAL WETLANDS. Presented at Science Forum 2003, Washington, DC, May 5-7, 2003.
Impact/Purpose:
The objectives of this task are to:
Assess new remote sensing technology for applicability to landscape characterization; Integrate multiple sensor systems data for improved landscape characterization;
Coordinate future technological needs with other agencies' sensor development programs;
Apply existing remote sensing systems to varied landscape characterization needs; and
Conduct remote sensing applications research for habitat suitability, water resources, and terrestrial condition indicators.
Description:
Invasive and opportunistic plant species have been associated with wetland disturbance. Increases in the abundance of plant species such as common reed (Phragmites australis) in coastal Great Lakes wetlands are hypothesized to occur with shifts toward drier hydrologic regimes, from other physical disturbances within or on the periphery of wetlands, or as a result of all of these factors. Hyperspectral remotely sensed data is being used to develop spectral signatures of Phragmites-dominated wetlands. Successful identification of Phragmites using hyperspectral data will permit region-wide mapping, and the mapping results can then be used to develop replicate samples to test the hypothesis that increases in Phragmites abundance are associated with hydrologic or other physical wetland disturbances. This project is also exploring the same capability for mapping purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and cattails (and Typha spp.)