Developmental framework for a desktop hydrogeomorphic wetland functional assessment derived from field-based data

Authors: BACKHAUS, P.J. - Pennsylvania State University; WARDROP, D.H. - Chesapeake Research; McCarty, Gregory; BROOKS, R.P. - Pennsylvania State University

Submitted to: Methods in Ecology and Evolution
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/15/2024
Publication Date: 1/31/2024
Citation: Backhaus, P., Wardrop, D., Mccarty, G.W., Brooks, R. 2024. Developmental framework for a desktop hydrogeomorphic wetland functional assessment derived from field-based data. Methods in Ecology and Evolution. 196: Article e217. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-024-12373-z.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-024-12373-z

Interpretive Summary: With loss of wetlands and their associated ecosystem services within landscapes, it is imperative to be able to understand the change in ecological functions underlying these services. To address this need, our project developed wetland ecological functional assessment metrics that can be applied remotely across broad geographic areas. These remote metrics were statistically screened and tested against field-based results so that they can be used as remote proxies for field-based assessment methods with minimal loss of accuracy. The resulting model provides a means of desktop functional assessment across broad scales with the diversity and specificity of field-based assessments at the reduced costs associated with remote assessments. Its basis in a commonly used wetland classification scheme allows this methodology to be adopted regionally as well as used for national wetland functional assessment.

Technical Abstract: With loss of wetlands and their associated ecosystem services within landscapes, it is imperative to be able to understand the change in ecological functions underlying these services. Field-based functional assessments can produce a range of specific scores among a robust set of functions but are time and cost prohibitive as the number of wetlands assessed increases. Remote-based functional assessments are an alternative for broad scale assessments, but trade off cost for limitations in scoring and functional assemblage. To address these concerns, we developed the Hydrogeomorphic Remote Assessment of Wetland Function (HGM-RAWF). Rooted in the hydrogeomorphic approach of an existing field-based functional assessment and its underlying models, this remote functional assessment substitutes field based assessment methods with remotely assessed proxies. As potential remote proxies were determined through literature review and statistically screened for use in the remote assessment, a field-based reference wetland database of 222 freshwater wetlands in the MidAtlantic Region provided a baseline by which remote data could be compared and calibrated. The resulting HGM-RAWF protocol remotely assesses seven hydrology and biogeochemistry functions in the Mid-Atlantic with assessment scores similar to its field-based counterparts. Analyses of the assessment provided avenues for future improvements to both the remote and field-based assessments. HGM-RAWF provides a means of desktop functional assessment across broad scales with the diversity and specificity of field-based assessments at the reduced costs associated with remote assessments. Its basis in the HGM approach and use of public spatial datasets allows its methods to be adopted regionally and can be used as a model for national wetland functional assessment.