A Conceptual Framework for Assessing the Functions of Wetlands
Abstract
Wetland ecosystems perform many functions that are beneficial to society. Assessing the ability of wetlands to perform these functions is an important part of the regulatory, planning, and management activities of the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and other Federal agencies. Various methods have been developed for assessing the functions of wetlands; however, none has received widespread acceptance or use within the Corps because of a basic failure to meet both the technical and programmatic requirements of the 404 Regulatory Program. As a result, the assessment of wetland functions is often completed using subjective and, in some cases, undocumented methods. This report outlines a conceptual and organizational framework for developing a procedure to assess the functions of wetlands in the context of the 404 Regulatory Program. The procedure begins with the classification of wetlands into 'functional classes' based on hydrogeomorphic characteristics. For each wetland class, a suite of appropriate functions are identified along with functional indicators. Functional indicators are used to characterize the physical, chemical, and biological properties and processes of the wetland and the surrounding area, and to predict the functional capability of the wetland in the context of a reference wetland population.... Assessment, Evaluation, Geomorphology, Indicators, Value, Classification, 404 Regulatory program, Hydrology
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA270304
Entities
People
- R. D. Smith