Regional Procedures and Scientific Models to Assess Functions of Wetlands

Performer(s): U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA)
Sponsor(s): FHWA ; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), U.S. Dept. of Interior (DOI); National Oceanic & Atmospheric Admin. (NOAA), U.S. Dept. of Commerce; Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), U.S. Dept of Agriculture (USDA)

For more information:

Paul Garrett. FHWA, Colorado Div. Office, 555 Zang St., Room 400, Lakewood, CO 80228;
Tel. 303-969-5772 x332; Fax: 303-969-6727; Email: Paul.garrett@fhwa.dot.gov.

Abstract

Research supports the development of regional wetland assessment models according to the national action for implementing the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Wetlands Assessment Method. Regional guidebooks will be produced, which will be applied to the processing of Section 404 permits needed by State Departments of Transportation.

Wetbirds: An Expert Method for Assessing Habitat Potential for Wetland Dependent Mammals, Amphibians, and Reptiles

Performer(s): University of Massachusetts - Amherst; New England Transportation Consortium
Sponsor(s): FHWA

For more information:

Paul Garrett. FHWA, Colorado Division Office, 555 Zang St., Room 400, Lakewood, CO 80228;
Tel: 303-969-5772 x332; Fax: 303-969-6727; Email: Paul.garrett@fhwa.dot.gov.

Abstract

Wetbirds is a PC-based, expert system program that identifies wetland bird habitat potentials based on descriptions of the physical habitat characteristics at specific sites. The program encompasses the northeastern United States. It contains habitat characteristics and distribution data for 96 wetland dependent bird species. The program is useful in evaluating the probable presence of bird species within a known habitat type in the region covered, which includes New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. It can be used in preparing National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) documents, Section 7 biological assessments under Endangered Species Act requirements, and wetlands assessments under the Section 404 (Clean Water Act) regulatory program. It is also useful in planning mitigation for wetlands impacts.

Wetlands No Net Loss Database

Performer(s): Louis Berger and Assoc., Inc.
Sponsor(s): FHWA

For more information:

Paul Garrett. FHWA Colorado Div. Office, 555 Zang St., Room 400, Lakewood, CO 80228;
Tel: 303-969-5772 x332; Fax: 303-969-6727; Email: Paul.garrett@fhwa.dot.gov.

Abstract

The research will develop an interactive tool that can be used by State Departments of Transportation to collect, analyze, organize, and periodically update wetland mitigation information as needed for data reporting and management decisions. The information will allow the States and FHWA to determine if stated no-net-loss and net gain wetland goals and policies are being met.