Mid Atlantic Coastal Wetland Assessment Update · N J. F i g u r e Landscape condition within 250 m...
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F i g u r e 7 . P e r f o r m i n g M i d T R A M i n a c e d ar s n a g f o r e s t m a r s h i n D e n n i s C r e e k , N J . F i g u r e 6 . T e s t i n g s a li n i t y i n t h e M ull ic a R i v e r w a t e r sh e d , j u s t n o r t h o f A tl a n t i c C i t y , N J . Mid Atlantic Coastal Wetland Assessment Update LeeAnn Haaf 1 , Erin Reilly 2 , Jessie Buckner 1 , Martha Maxwell-Doyle 2 , Angela Padeletti 1 , and Danielle Kreeger 1 1 Partnership for the Delaware Estuary 110 S. Poplar St. Wilmington, DE 1980 2 Barnegat Bay Partnership Ocean County College, College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754 Tidal Rapid Assessments 2014: Mullica and Dennis Orientation MidTRAM The Mid Atlantic Tidal Rapid Assessment Method (MidTRAM) seeks to determine the condition or level of stressat representativ4e sample locations withing emergent coastal wetlands MidTRAM protocol serves as ground-truthing (Tier 2 of the Mid Atlantic Wetland Assessment Program) of remotely censed wetlands data (Tier 1). Typically, at least 30 points randomly generated points are assessed for each HUC12 to summarize watershed-level conditions. To date, 10 watersheds, 3 of which were fresh water marshes, have been completed in the Mid-Atlantic region by PDE, DNREC and the Barnegat Bay Partnership (BBP)(Figure 4); more information can be found in the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Wetlands Assessment 2014 Annual Report (PDE 2014). MidTRAM sampling points consist of 50 m 2 assessment areas, using hydrological, habitat, buffer/ landscape, and shoreline attributes. These attributes are composed of several metrics which are averaged to compute a final score. The distribution of these final scores can be used to categorize assessment areas as minimally, moderately, or severely stressed. Methods Thirty (Dennis) and fifteen (Mullica) randomly generated points were assessed within each watershed in the summer of 2014. Field data collection began by laying out two perpindicular 100 meter transects, which comprised the assessment area (AA). Metrics were measured at the intersection of these transects (salinity, soil organic layer depth); bearing capacity was assessed at eight locations, four at 25 m and four at 50 m from the AA center. Vegetation obstruction was measured at four locations 25 m from the AA center. Then, observations on plant community composition and landscape condition (with in a 250 buffer area around the AA) were taken. Desktop analysis included measuring distances to structures that would inhabit landward migration. Attributes and metrics used to compute final scores are summarized in Table 1. For more on methodologies, see MidTRAM version 3.0 (DNREC 2010). Summary • In 2014, 30 points were assessed for condition using MidTRAM protocols in the Dennis Creek (Figures 2, 5, 7, & 10) watershed and 15 were assessed in the Mullica River watershed (Figures1, 3, 6, & 8). • MidTRAM analysis categorized final scores as indicating severely stressed (scores 0-66), moderately stressed (67-81.4), or minimally stressed (81.5-100) wetlands. Average final scores for Dennis and Mullica were 81.04 and 81.85, respectively. We conclude that on average Dennis is moderately stressed and Mullica is minimally stressed. Sixty percent of points assessed in Mullica were of minimally stressed, and none were severely stressed (Figures 1 & 3). In Dennis, 57% were minimally stressed and only one point (3%) was severely stressed (Figure 2 & 5). • Mullica and Dennis both scored better than other salt marshes assessed with MidTRAM (Figure 9); the next highest score was Maurice (76.06). Attribute Metric Description QDR Qualitative Disturbance Rating Score of 1 - 6 assigned to the site using best professional judgement of overall condition Buffer Score Percent of AA with 5 m Buffer Percent of AA perimeter that has at least 5 m of natural or semi-natural condition land cover Average Buffer Width The average buffer width surrounding the AA that is in natural of semi-natural condition Surrounding Development Percent of developed land within 350 m from the edge of the AA 250 m Landscape Condition Landscape condition within 250 m buffer based on the nativeness of vegetation, disturbance to substrate and extent of human visitation Barriers to Landward Migration Percent of landward perimeter of wetland within the 250 m buffer that has physical barriers preventing wetland migration Hydrology Score Ditching and Draining The presence of ditches in the AA Fill and Fragmentation The presence of fill or wetland fragmentation from anthropogenic sources in the AA Diking and Tidal Restrictions The presence of dikes or other tidal flow restrictions Point Sources The presence of localized sources of pollution Habitat Score Bearing Capacity Soil resistance using a slide hammer Vegetative Obstruction Visual obstruction by vegetation < 1 m measured with a cover board Number of Plant Layers Number of plant layers based on plant height % Co-Dominant Invasive Species Percent of co-dominant invasives species in AA % Invasive Cover Percent cover of invasive species in the AA Shoreline Score Shoreline Erosion Shoreline condition at shoreline transect points based on the erosion:accretion ratio Shoreline Alteration Presence of built structures or non-natural materials along the shorelines at transect points Results 57% 23% 3% 30% 9% 22% 37% 63% 40% 20% 79% 59% 40% 7% 17% 57% 50% 12% 19% 60% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Barnegat Bay No. Barnegat Bay So. Dennis Maurice Mispillion Broadkill Mullica Severely Moderately Minimally 40% 60% Mullica Dennis 3% 40% 57% F i g u r e 3 . B r e a k d o w n o f p e r c e n t d i s t r i b u t i o n o f l e v e l s o f s t r e s s i n M u l l i c a . F i g u r e 5 . B r e a k d o w n o f p e r c e n t d i s t r i b u t i o n o f l e v e l s o f s t r e s s i n D e n n i s . Figure 4. MidTRAM HUC12s (pink) completed as of 2014 in New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Tidal marshes (fresh or saline) are filled in green. Figure 1. Assessment points in the Mullica River watershed, color coded by final score level of stress. Figure 2. Assessment points in the Dennis Creek watershed, color coded by final score level of stress.. Severely Moderately Minimally Severely Moderately Minimally Severely Moderately Minimally Severely Moderately Minimally Figure 9. Comparison of stress level breakdowns among salt marshes assessed with MidTRAM by PDE, BBP, and DNREC since 2011. Works Cited Acknowledgements DNREC. 2010. Mid-Atlantic Tidal Wetland Rapid Assessment Method version 3.0. < http:// www.dnrec.delaware.gov/Admin/DelawareWetlands/Documents/Tidal%20Rapid_ Protocol%203.0%20Jun10.pdf> Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. 2014. Mid-Atlantic Coastal Wetlands Assessment - 2014 Annual Report. RPDE Report No. 14-01. 66 p. www.DelawareEstuary.org/ ScienceReports Future Steps & Implications • Conducting MidTRAM assessments is an on going process; only 1-2 watersheds can be assessed per year at our current capacity. Our ultimate goal is to assess all watersheds within the Mid Atlantic and to repeat every 10 years in order to provide extensive condition information. • MidTRAM provides spatially explicit information on the condition of tidal wetlands and also identifies specific stressors that are more problematic in certain watersheds. The understanding of these stressors is fundamental to predicting the long term resilience of tidal marsh systems and addressing stressors through management. • In conjunction with other studies conducted through the MACWA, such as Site Specific Intensive Studies, condition information obtained through MidTRAM offers improved spatial resolution and allows managers or researchers to apply or extrapolate certain information across broader tracts of marsh. MidTRAM data therefore help to guide preservation, conservation, and management. • Data provided by MidTRAM assessments are also being used to to guide and monitor restoration efforts (e.g. Marsh Futures). Figure 8. Westward transect on the Great Bay in the Mullica watershed. Figure 10. Westward transect on a northern tributary of Dennis Creek. The authors are deeply grateful for the generous funding provided by multiple entities including the United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 2, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Coastal Zone, and the National Estuary Program. Special thanks are also extended to Allison Rogerson, Andy Howard, and Matt Jennette at DNREC, our partners in MidTRAM. We also would like to thank the many interns that have assisted us in these efforts, especially those who helped this year at Dennis and Mullica: Jocelyn Robinson and Patrick Milillo.
Transcript of Mid Atlantic Coastal Wetland Assessment Update · N J. F i g u r e Landscape condition within 250 m...
Figure 7. Performing MidTRAM in a cedar snag forest marsh in Dennis Cree
k, N
J.
Figure 6. Testing salinity in the Mullica River watershed, just north of Atla
ntic C
ity, N
J.
Mid Atlantic Coastal Wetland Assessment Update
LeeAnn Haaf1, Erin Reilly2, Jessie Buckner1, Martha Maxwell-Doyle2, Angela Padeletti1, and Danielle Kreeger1
1Partnership for the Delaware Estuary 110 S. Poplar St. Wilmington, DE 1980 2Barnegat Bay Partnership Ocean County College, College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
Tidal Rapid Assessments 2014: Mullica and Dennis
Orientation MidTRAMThe Mid Atlantic Tidal Rapid Assessment Method (MidTRAM) seeks to determine the condition or level of stressat representativ4e sample locations withing emergent coastal wetlands MidTRAM protocol serves as ground-truthing (Tier 2 of the Mid Atlantic Wetland Assessment Program) of remotely censed wetlands data (Tier 1). Typically, at least 30 points randomly generated points are assessed for each HUC12 to summarize watershed-level conditions. To date, 10 watersheds, 3 of which were fresh water marshes, have been completed in the Mid-Atlantic region by PDE, DNREC and the Barnegat Bay Partnership (BBP)(Figure 4); more information can be found in the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Wetlands Assessment 2014 Annual Report (PDE 2014).
MidTRAM sampling points consist of 50 m2 assessment areas, using hydrological, habitat, buffer/ landscape, and shoreline attributes. These attributes are composed of several metrics which are averaged to compute a final score. The distribution of these final scores can be used to categorize assessment areas as minimally, moderately, or severely stressed.
MethodsThirty (Dennis) and fifteen (Mullica) randomly generated points were assessed within each watershed in the summer of 2014. Field data collection began by laying out two perpindicular 100 meter transects, which comprised the assessment area (AA). Metrics were measured at the intersection of these transects (salinity, soil organic layer depth); bearing capacity was assessed at eight locations, four at 25 m and four at 50 m from the AA center. Vegetation obstruction was measured at four locations 25 m from the AA center. Then, observations on plant community composition and landscape condition (with in a 250 buffer area around the AA) were taken. Desktop analysis included measuring distances to structures that would inhabit landward migration. Attributes and metrics used to compute final scores are summarized in Table 1. For more on methodologies, see MidTRAM version 3.0 (DNREC 2010).
Summary• In 2014, 30 points were assessed for condition using MidTRAM
protocols in the Dennis Creek (Figures 2, 5, 7, & 10) watershed and 15 were assessed in the Mullica River watershed (Figures1, 3, 6, & 8).
• MidTRAM analysis categorized final scores as indicating severely stressed (scores 0-66), moderately stressed (67-81.4), or minimally stressed (81.5-100) wetlands. Average final scores for Dennis and Mullica were 81.04 and 81.85, respectively. We conclude that on average Dennis is moderately stressed and Mullica is minimally stressed. Sixty percent of points assessed in Mullica were of minimally stressed, and none were severely stressed (Figures 1 & 3). In Dennis, 57% were minimally stressed and only one point (3%) was severely stressed (Figure 2 & 5).
• Mullica and Dennis both scored better than other salt marshes assessed with MidTRAM (Figure 9); the next highest score was Maurice (76.06).
Attribute Metric DescriptionQDR Qualitative Disturbance Rating Score of 1 - 6 assigned to the site using best
professional judgement of overall condition
Buffer Score
Percent of AA with 5 m Buffer Percent of AA perimeter that has at least 5 m of natural or semi-natural condition land cover
Average Buffer Width The average buffer width surrounding the AA that is in natural of semi-natural condition
Surrounding Development Percent of developed land within 350 m from the edge of the AA
250 m Landscape ConditionLandscape condition within 250 m buffer based on the nativeness of vegetation, disturbance to substrate and extent of human visitation
Barriers to Landward MigrationPercent of landward perimeter of wetland within the 250 m buffer that has physical barriers preventing wetland migration
Hydrology Score
Ditching and Draining The presence of ditches in the AA
Fill and Fragmentation The presence of fill or wetland fragmentation from anthropogenic sources in the AA
Diking and Tidal Restrictions The presence of dikes or other tidal flow restrictions
Point Sources The presence of localized sources of pollution
Habitat Score
Bearing Capacity Soil resistance using a slide hammer
Vegetative Obstruction Visual obstruction by vegetation < 1 m measured with a cover board
Number of Plant Layers Number of plant layers based on plant height% Co-Dominant Invasive
Species Percent of co-dominant invasives species in AA
% Invasive Cover Percent cover of invasive species in the AA
Shoreline ScoreShoreline Erosion Shoreline condition at shoreline transect points
based on the erosion:accretion ratio
Shoreline Alteration Presence of built structures or non-natural materials along the shorelines at transect points
Results
57%
23%
3%
30%
9%
22%
37%
63%
40%
20%
79%
59%
40%
7%
17%
57%
50%
12%
19%
60%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Barnegat Bay No.
Barnegat Bay So.
Dennis
Maurice
Mispillion
Broadkill
Mullica
SeverelyModeratelyMinimally
40%
60%
Mullica
Mullica Dennis
3%
40%
57%Figure 3. Breakdown of percent distribution of levels of s
tress
in M
ullic
a.
Figure 5. Breakdown of percent distribution of level
s of s
tress
in D
enni
s.
Figure 4. MidTRAM HUC12s (pink) completed as of 2014 in New Jersey, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Tidal marshes (fresh or saline) are filled in green.
Figure 1. Assessment points in the Mullica River watershed, color coded by final score level of stress.
Figure 2. Assessment points in the Dennis Creek watershed, color coded by final score level of stress..
57%
23%
3%
30%
9%
22%
37%
63%
40%
20%
79%
59%
40%
7%
17%
57%
50%
12%
19%
60%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Barnegat Bay No.
Barnegat Bay So.
Dennis
Maurice
Mispillion
Broadkill
Mullica
SeverelyModeratelyMinimally
57%
23%
3%
30%
9%
22%
37%
63%
40%
20%
79%
59%
40%
7%
17%
57%
50%
12%
19%
60%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Barnegat Bay No.
Barnegat Bay So.
Dennis
Maurice
Mispillion
Broadkill
Mullica
SeverelyModeratelyMinimally
57%
23%
3%
30%
9%
22%
37%
63%
40%
20%
79%
59%
40%
7%
17%
57%
50%
12%
19%
60%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Barnegat Bay No.
Barnegat Bay So.
Dennis
Maurice
Mispillion
Broadkill
Mullica
SeverelyModeratelyMinimally
57%
23%
3%
30%
9%
22%
37%
63%
40%
20%
79%
59%
40%
7%
17%
57%
50%
12%
19%
60%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Barnegat Bay No.
Barnegat Bay So.
Dennis
Maurice
Mispillion
Broadkill
Mullica
SeverelyModeratelyMinimally
Figure 9. Comparison of stress level breakdowns among salt marshes assessed with MidTRAM by PDE, BBP, and DNREC since 2011.
Works Cited
Acknowledgements
DNREC. 2010. Mid-Atlantic Tidal Wetland Rapid Assessment Method version 3.0. < http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/Admin/DelawareWetlands/Documents/Tidal%20Rapid_Protocol%203.0%20Jun10.pdf>Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. 2014. Mid-Atlantic Coastal Wetlands Assessment - 2014 Annual Report. RPDE Report No. 14-01. 66 p. www.DelawareEstuary.org/ScienceReports
Future Steps & Implications• Conducting MidTRAM assessments is an on going process;
only 1-2 watersheds can be assessed per year at our current capacity. Our ultimate goal is to assess all watersheds within the Mid Atlantic and to repeat every 10 years in order to provide extensive condition information.
• MidTRAM provides spatially explicit information on the condition of tidal wetlands and also identifies specific stressors that are more problematic in certain watersheds. The understanding of these stressors is fundamental to predicting the long term resilience of tidal marsh systems and addressing stressors through management.
• In conjunction with other studies conducted through the MACWA, such as Site Specific Intensive Studies, condition information obtained through MidTRAM offers improved spatial resolution and allows managers or researchers to apply or extrapolate certain information across broader tracts of marsh. MidTRAM data therefore help to guide preservation, conservation, and management.
• Data provided by MidTRAM assessments are also being used to to guide and monitor restoration efforts (e.g. Marsh Futures).
Figure 8. Westward transect on the Great Bay in the Mullica watershed.
Figure 10. Westward transect on a northern tributary of Dennis Creek.
The authors are deeply grateful for the generous funding provided by multiple entities including the United States Environmental Protection Agency Region 2, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Coastal Zone, and the National Estuary Program. Special thanks are also extended to Allison Rogerson, Andy Howard, and Matt Jennette at DNREC, our partners in MidTRAM. We also would like to thank the many interns that have assisted us in these efforts, especially those who helped this year at Dennis and Mullica: Jocelyn Robinson and Patrick Milillo.
