A Regional Guidebook for Applying the Hydrogeomorphic Approach to Assessing Wetland Functions of Riverine Floodplains in the Northern Rocky Mountains
Abstract
The Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Approach is a collection of concepts and methods for developing functional indices and subsequently using them to assess the capacity of a wetland to perform functions relative to similar wetlands in a region. The approach was initially designed to be used in the context of the Clean Water Act Section 404 Regulatory Program permit review sequence to consider alternatives, minimize impacts, assess unavoidable project impacts, determine mitigation requirements, and monitor the success of mitigation projects. However, a variety of other potential applications for the approach have been identified including: determining minimal effects under the Food Security Act, designing mitigation projects, and managing wetlands. This report uses the HGM Approach to develop a Regional Guidebook for assessing the functions of riverine floodplains in the northern Rocky Mountains. The report: (a) introduces the HGM developmental history, (b) provides a brief overview of the major components of the HGM Approach and discusses the development and application phases, (c) characterizes factors that influence wetland functions on riverine floodplains in the northern Rocky Mountains, (d) discusses the wetland functions, model variables, and functional indices, and (e) provides the necessary assessment protocols, field methods, and computing procedures.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA407773
Entities
People
- Bradley J. Cook
- Ellis J. Clairain Jr.
- F. Richard Hauer
- Michael C. Gilbert
- R. Daniel Smith
Organizations
- Engineer Research and Development Center