Contents Notes |
The Hydrogeomophic (HGM) Approach is a method for developing functional indices and the protocols used to apply these indices to the assessment of wetland functions at a site-specific scale The HGM Approach was initially designed to be used in the context of the Clean Water Act Section 404 Regulatory Program permit review to analyze project alternatives, minimize impacts, assess unavoidable impacts, determine mitigation requirements, and monitor the success of compensatory mitigation However, a variety%' of other potential uses have been identified, including the determination of minimal effects under the Food Security Act, design of wetland restoration projects, and management of wetlands This report uses the HGM Approach to develop a Regional Guidebook to (a) characterize the Depressional Wetlands in Peninsular Florida, (b)provide the rationale used to select functions for the herbaceous and cypress dome subclasses, (c) provide the rationale used to select model variables and metrics, (d) provide the rationale used to develop assessment models, (e) provide data from reference wetlands and document its use in calibrating model variables and assessment models, and (1) outline the necessary protocols for applying the functional indices to the assessment of wetland functions. |