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Assessment ToolsBackground Assessing the functions and condition of wetlands is an important aspect of wetland management. Assessment tools are used to:
Because of the diversity of purposes for which assessment tools are used, specific tools need to be developed that suit the goals of particular applications. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends a 3-Leveled approach to assessment. Level 1 refers to landscape assessment, where Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and remotely sensed data are used in the office to track broad trends in wetland aerial extent or health based on the landscape condition. Level 2 assessments are rapid assessments that are conducted on-site (these assessments can also have a GIS component) that can be used for ambient monitoring, monitoring restoration projects, and watershed planning efforts. Level 3 are intensive site assessments that are usually based on biological integrity or hydrogeomorphic function. These assessments are used to aid in the development of water quality standards, designing performance standards for compensatory mitigation projections, and for verifying the accuracy of level-1 and level-2 assessments. Oklahoma is currently developing level-1, level-2, and level-3 assessment tools. More information regarding the monitoring and assessment of wetland resources can be found at the EPA's website. In Oklahoma, there are currently no formally accepted assessment tools for wetlands. However, the development of these assessment tools is a priority for the state and a number of methods are currently under development. The most recent Wetland Program Plan for the state established the following as important actions to be advanced over the next 6 years.
For more information about specific actions that will be conducted to advance wetland assessment in the state please review the Wetland Program Plan. Wetland Classification Wetlands are inherently variable due to the variety of hydrologic and geomorphic conditions under which they exist. Hydrology, proximity to aquatic resources, topography and geology all can have profound impacts on the types of functions wetlands provide. The Hydrogeomorphic Approach (HGM) to wetland classification is a system of organization for wetlands based on the hydrologic and geomorphologic (topography and geology) attributes that drive wetland functions. HGM classification includes seven national classes. For more information on the Hydrogeomorphic Approach to wetland classification and functional assessment, please visit the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) website. Some of the more common wetland types in Oklahoma include:
Through several collaborative efforts between the Oklahoma Conservation Commission and Oklahoma State University, the state has developed an HGM subclassification for wetlands in Oklahoma. This classification can be used to support future research efforts or the development of assessment tools by grouping wetlands together that should function similarly. Below are links to several reports regarding the hydrogeomorphic classification and the relative abundance of the different classes in different regions of the state. Hydrogeomorphic Classification in the Cross Timbers and Central Great Plains Ecoregions of Oklahoma Dichotomous Key for the classification of wetlands in the Cross Timbers and Central Great Plains Hydrogeomorphic Classification in the Ouachita Mountains Ecoregion: Coming Soon Hydrogeomorphic Classification in the Arkansas Valley, Central Irregular Plains and South Central Plains Ecoregions: Coming Soon
Remote Condition Assessments In Oklahoma, there are currently no formally accepted assessment tools for wetlands. However, the development of these assessment tools is a priority for the state and a number of methods are currently under development. The most recent Wetland Program Plan for the state established the development of remote tools as a key action. Remote assessments can be used to track broad trends in wetland acreage as well as wetland condition. For more information about specific actions that will be conducted to advance remote wetland assessment in the state please take a look at the Wetland Program Plan.
Field Condition Assessments In Oklahoma, there are currently no formally accepted assessment tools for wetlands. However, the development of these assessment tools is a priority for the state and a number of methods are currently under development. The most recent Wetland Program Plan for the state established the development of a modular field assessment tool as a key action. Field assessments can be used to identify unique and pristine wetlands for protection and degraded wetlands for restoration as well as estimate wetland functions for guiding and tracking wetland compensatory mitigation. For more information about specific actions that will be conducted to advance wetland assessment in the state please take a look at the Wetland Program Plan. |
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