A new wetland assessment tool for Illinois and climate-based wetland prioritization for the Midwest
Vembar, Rohini
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Permalink
https://hdl.handle.net/2142/125734
Description
Title
A new wetland assessment tool for Illinois and climate-based wetland prioritization for the Midwest
Author(s)
Vembar, Rohini
Issue Date
2024-07-19
Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)
Jog, Suneeti K
Bried, Jason T
Department of Study
Natural Res & Env Sci
Discipline
Natural Res & Env Sciences
Degree Granting Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Degree Name
M.S.
Degree Level
Thesis
Keyword(s)
wetland assessment
Illinois wetlands
climate change
habitat resilience
Abstract
Wetland systems around the world have experienced major reductions in area due to changes in land use and climate patterns. These widespread losses are cause for great concern due to the critical ecosystem services that wetlands provide, including flood abatement and nutrient cycling. Monitoring changes in wetland area in the United States is often done with assessment tools and methods of varying intensity, though the existence of these tools differ across states. I sought to develop two different wetland assessment tools to fill some of these empty niches. For the first tool, I developed and validated a rapid assessment method for Illinois. The Rapid Assessment for Illinois (RAIL) was designed to meet the following objectives: 1) this tool accurately estimates wetland condition by responding to floristic quality metrics; 2) this tool can be accurately used statewide and on all wetland types found in the state; and 3) this tool can be easily reproduced by assessors of varying experience levels. I validated the assessment in 63 wetlands throughout the state and found generally positive results from the analysis, showing that this tool has promise. For the second tool, I developed a mapping tool for climate-informed wetland conservation throughout the Midwest. This tool was designed to identify priority areas for wetland preservation and conservation based on community resilience and projected climate change on a landscape level. This tool addresses the need for integrating climate change planning with wetland management and conservation. If made available to wetland managers and planners, they may have a better understanding of where conservation actions may need to be focused. Both of these tools are in their infancy and require additional validation before being used to inform regulation and management decisions.
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