Abstract
Study of Hydrogeomorphic Model for Wetlands Assessment of Selected Wetlands Track: Ecology and Conservation Author(s): Robin Reilley Recently, state and federal agencies focused attention on developing methods for rapid evaluation and quantification of wetland function. The Hydrogeomorphic Model of Wetlands Classification (HGM) grew from this effort. The need for such tools stems from a shift in the paradigm of wetlands conversion to an understanding and valuation of wetland functions such as flood control, and water quality maintenance as well as an awareness of earlier methods' shortcomings. The HGM approach provides a mechanism for assessing wetland functions and for mitigating anthropogenic wetland loss. Utilizing GIS and Remote Sensing applications I selected a diverse set of study wetlands. Correlating wetland hydrologic and geomorphologic functions with spatial analysis tools enables description and understanding of the study areas. Employing good old hydrologic field science determines existing conditions such as water quality and invertebrate populations. These factors contribute to determining a methodology for arriving at a wetlands a functional index. Robin Reilley City of Westminster Community Developmnet 4800 West 92nd Avenue Westminster , CO 80031 US Phone: 303.340.2400 Fax: 303.426.5857 E-mail: rareilley@comcast.net |
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