Harvard Forest Research

Massachusetts Wetland Monitoring and Assessment Program

Principal Investigator: Kevin McGarigal
University of Massachusetts at Amherst: May 16 2009 - Oct 30 2009:

Abstract:
The Conservation Assessment and Prioritization System (CAPS,
www.masscaps.org ) is a research program based out of the Landscape Ecology Program at UMass. It is a computer-based approach for assessing the ecological integrity of uplands, wetlands, and water across the state. We develop computer models to predict ecological integrity across the landscape. Our field work is designed to help us explore and validate these models. In addition to the research and development of CAPS, we are developing a site-level assessment method to evaluate wetland condition.

One of the goals of this program is to identify indicators of wetland condition, that is, water quality and ecological integrity. The field sites are randomly selected through a computerized process using topographic maps, aerial photographs, and wetland maps (data available online through MassGIS).

We will make several visits to each site from May to September to evaluate various taxonomic groups. There will be a one to two person crew measuring the plot during each visit who will collect algae, insects and other invertebrates, monitor hydrology, measure water chemistry (pH, conductivity, and temperature), and inventory plants to classify the vegetation.: