Grantee Research Project Results
Assessing an HGM-based Wetland Classification and Assessment Scheme Along a 1000 km Gradient of the Appalachian Mountains: Hydrology, Soils and Wetland Function
EPA Grant Number: R829497Title: Assessing an HGM-based Wetland Classification and Assessment Scheme Along a 1000 km Gradient of the Appalachian Mountains: Hydrology, Soils and Wetland Function
Investigators: Cole, Charles Andrew , Wardrop, Denice Heller , Cirmo, Christopher P. , Brooks, Robert P.
Institution: Pennsylvania State University , The State University of New York at Cortland
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: January 15, 2002 through January 14, 2005 (Extended to August 31, 2006)
Project Amount: $973,301
RFA: Development of National Aquatic Ecosystem Classifications and Reference Conditions (2001) RFA Text | Recipients Lists
Research Category: Aquatic Ecosystems , Water
Description:
We seek to expand a recently developed wetland classification and functional assessment protocol, created in Pennsylvania, to regions north and south within the Appalachian mountains. We want to determine if similar wetland types occur along a broad latitudinal gradient, and if wetland structure and function are similar.
Approach:
We will build (and improve) upon a large data set developed in Pennsylvania. We will utilize standard assessment protocols designed to measure 36 structural variables for input into wetland functional assessment models. We will revisit 20 extant study sites in Pennsylvania to update their information. We will develop approximately 20 new reference sites each in New York and Virginia in an attempt to test the applicability of these models along a broad latitudinal gradient. We will instrument all study sites with continuous water level recorders so as to develop comprehensive hydrologic data for site assessment. These data will be used in the assessment models as well as a check on the classification of each wetland.
Expected Results:
We expect to show whether models developed over many years in one region can be successfully (and rapidly) applied in two other adjacent regions. If this is true, then the time needed for the development of wetland classification and assessment tools can be greatly decreased, saving both time and money, and allowing for better assessment and protection of wetland resources. These results will address EPA's need for improved ecosystem classification schemes and reference condition identification.
Publications and Presentations:
Publications have been submitted on this project: View all 10 publications for this projectJournal Articles:
Journal Articles have been submitted on this project: View all 4 journal articles for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
aquatic, classification, ecology, ecosystem, Mid-Atlantic, monitoring, PA, Pennsylvania,, RFA, Scientific Discipline, INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, ECOSYSTEMS, Water, Ecosystem Protection/Environmental Exposure & Risk, Aquatic Ecosystems & Estuarine Research, Water & Watershed, Aquatic Ecosystem, Water Quality Monitoring, Monitoring/Modeling, Terrestrial Ecosystems, Environmental Monitoring, Watersheds, anthropogenic stress, bioassessment, anthropogenic processes, wetlands, ecosystem monitoring, watershed management, biodiversity, conservation, diagnostic indicators, ecosystem indicators, biota diversity, hydrology, aquatic ecosystems, bioindicators, watershed sustainablility, water quality, biological indicators, ecosystem stress, watershed assessment, conservation planning, Appalachian Mountains, ecosystem response, aquatic biota, restoration planning, watershed restorationProgress and Final Reports:
The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.