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Modeling the suitability of potential wetland mitigation sites with a geographic information system.

Journal Article · · Environ. Manage.
Wetland mitigation is frequently required to compensate for unavoidable impacts to wetlands. Site conditions and landscape context are critical factors influencing the functions that created wetlands perform. We developed a spatial model and used a geographic information system (GIS) to identify suitable locations for wetland mitigation sites. The model used six variables to characterize site conditions: hydrology, soils, historic condition, vegetation cover, adjacent vegetation, and land use. For each variable, a set of suitability scores was developed that indicated the wetland establishment potential for different variable states. Composite suitability scores for individual points on the landscape were determined from the weighted geometric mean of suitability scores for each variable at each point. These composite scores were grouped into five classes and mapped as a wetland mitigation suitability surface with a GIS. Sites with high suitability scores were further evaluated using information on the feasibility of site modification and project cost. This modeling approach could be adapted by planners for use in identifying the suitability of locations as wetland mitigation sites at any site or region.
Research Organization:
Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC02-06CH11357
OSTI ID:
961093
Report Number(s):
ANL/EA/JA-44576
Journal Information:
Environ. Manage., Journal Name: Environ. Manage. Journal Issue: 3 ; Mar. 2004 Vol. 33; ISSN EMNGDC; ISSN 0364-152X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
ENGLISH