Review of Landscape Data Available to Evaluate the Accuracy of Wetland Indicator Status Ratings
Abstract
Plant species on the National Wetland Plant List (NWPL) are assigned wetland indicator status ratings intended to reflect frequency of occurrence in wetlands as opposed to nonwetlands for each of the 10 U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Regions. NWPL ratings are updated periodically. They may be challenged or reevaluated as new information describing the habitats and ranges of plant species is acquired. The majority of ratings rely on literature and herbaria records rather than on a random sampling of an individual species population. Thus, it is difficult to know the accuracy of current ratings without large-scale, potentially costly studies. Using available data sources that capture occurrence information from across the United States to inform species wetland frequencies could improve current wetland ratings. The National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service collect data throughout the United States for long-term vegetation monitoring efforts and forest inventory, respectively. This report discusses error introduced by processing and adapting these data for use in wetland frequency calculations and makes recommendations for data use based on potential limitations. Once properly vetted, these data could provide much information regarding species occurrences in wetlands and nonwetlands for use in NWPL challenges or rating reevaluations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 30, 2019
- Accession Number
- AD1086520
Entities
People
- Betsy L. Harbert
- Jennifer J. Goulet
- Robert W. Lichvar