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Landscape Level Assessment
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Relatively new methods of
Landscape Level Assessment (or Level 1 Assessment) are currently emerging to
support broader evaluation of wetland functions on a watershed or landscape
scale, typically based on remotely sensed or GIS data. This level of wetland
assessment is typically used to support watershed planning, zoning decisions,
definition of wetland restoration/protection priorities, and similar purposes at
the local or regional level. In addition, landscape level assessment can assist
in setting priorities for more detailed monitoring of wetland condition and
function, and will play a role in the statewide and regional evaluation of
wetland status and trends from presettlement thru current times.
The department's welands program is using cutting edge geographic information
technology to improve the evaluation of wetlands on a watershed scale in a
cooperative effort supported by multiple agencies and organizations. Although
wetland evaluation presents a complex challenge given the scope and diversity of
these resources, wetlands play a critical role in maintenance of water quality
and quantity, and wetland protection and restoration should be an integral
component of watershed planning.
One of our
current approaches uses a computer model to integrate wetland maps, updated with
current aerial photography, with hydrologic data, site topography, and other
ecological information to evaluate the wetland functions provided by each mapped
wetland area. The resulting analysis can be used to provide a generalized map
of current wetland functions within a watershed, the loss of wetland function
associated with past land use changes, and potential wetland restoration areas.
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