Estimating wetland quality for the Missouri Coteau ecoregion in North Dakota.

摘要

Wetland condition was assessed based on plant community integrity in a designated area of the Missouri Coteau in central North Dakota using a probabilistic sampling design. Four sampling methods and models were applied to wetlands in the study area: (1) Level 1 - geographic information system-based Landscape Wetland Condition Analysis Model (LWCAM); (2) Level 2 - North Dakota Rapid Assessment Method (NDRAM); (3) Level 3 - vegetative-based Index of Plant Community Integrity (IPCI); and (4) the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Model. Results from testing 974 wetlands using the four sampling procedures found a variety of land uses and vegetation characteristics were present in the study area. Results from the IPCI were compared to those found using the NDRAM method and the HGM and LWCAM models. The NDRAM and LWCAM differed in precision in determining wetland condition when compared to the IPCI. Wetlands were rated as higher functioning with the HGM model as compared to the IPCI. To determine the overall condition of the area, results of the methods and models were considered individually and correlated. Results showed that wetland condition was influenced primarily by land use, while topography was the main factor affecting land use and consequent wetland condition. Repeat assessment of this study area can indicate the trend of wetland plant community integrity in relation to the present and future predominant land practices. Information from this study can also be used to estimate wetland condition across other areas of the Missouri Coteau and can be used as a model for determining appropriate wetland sampling methods for other areas of the Prairie Pothole Region.