This study demonstrated and evaluated nine methods for monitoring the deterioration of a large wetland on the site of a newly-constructed coal-fired power plant in Columbia, County, Wisconsin. Four of the nine methods used data from ground sampling; two were remote sensing methods without ground verification; and three were remote sensing methods which either used ground verification or relied on the analyst's 'on-the-ground' knowledge of the area. These methods were evaluated on the basis of whether they monitor change at a species or a community level, whether they monitor community change in terms of area or location or both, and whether they provide information about trends in plant communities.

"PB85-197358." "April 1985." "EPA/600/3-85/034." "Grant no. R803971." "Project officer, Gary E. Glass." Includes bibliographical references (p. 156-159). Photocopy.

This study demonstrated and evaluated nine methods for monitoring the deterioration of a large wetland on the site of a newly-constructed coal-fired power plant in Columbia County, Wisconsin. Four of the nine methods used data from ground sampling; two were remote sensing methods without ground verification; and three were remote sensing methods which either used ground verification or relied on the analyst's "on-the-ground" knowlege of the area. These methods were evaluated on the basis of whether they monitor change at a specied or a community level, whether they monitor community change in terms of area or location or both, and whether they provide information about trends in plant communities. They were also evaluated in terms of time, cost, sensitivity, and reliability. Changes in the wetland over a 3-year period are presented, as determined by each of the methods. Eight appendices provide information and raw data for several of the methods, color/texture keys for interpreting airphotos, and an annotated bibliography on remote sensing methods.