October 27, 2010
Work Plan ‐ EAS ComponentsCompleted Tasks:Organization, Background Investigation and Comparison of Review Criteria (B1) Ecological Assessments and Database Compilation (B2) Data Evaluation (B3)
Baseline condition of wetlands has been evaluatedEvaluate Existing Environmental Monitoring Network (B4)
Existing monitoring network has been identified
Work Plan ‐ EAS ComponentsWork In Progress:Data Evaluation (B3)
Comparison of simulated model results to observed field conditionsCoordination with Modeling and Tools Subgroup to estimate groundwater availabilityPresentation of findings at public workshops
Work Plan – EAS ComponentsWork In Progress:Evaluate Existing Environmental Monitoring Network (B4)
Identification of additional monitoring needsEnvironmental Assessment Report (B5)
Development of a final report describing the methods and results of the environmental impact assessments (current and future)
Environmental Assessment ProcessIdentification of evaluation sitesData collection (field data, aerials and other sources)Database compilation (Google/KML and ArcMap/GIS)Data evaluation (wetlands, lakes, and streams)VerificationAdditional data collection Compilation of preliminary results
Field Assessment DataHabitat conditionPhoto documentationSoilsVegetative community characteristics
Community type(s)ZonationPlant species list and abundanceObserved health
Field Assessment DataHydrologic indicators
Moss collarsLichen or stain linesAdventitious rootsTree buttressingWetland edge characteristicsObserved water levels
Wetland SF‐CT, Orange County, Florida
Field Assessment DataDrainage alterations
DitchesCanalsDrainage wellsCulvertsRetention ponds
Landscape contextOther field data or indicators
Other Sources of DataDrainage well locationsNatural and man‐made drainage feature mapsCounty soil survey dataUSGS quad mapsLandscape position maps (ridge, slope, valley)Historical aerial photography
MethodsSeparated sites into non‐confounded and confounded (e.g., ditches, canals, regulated lakes, RIBS) categoriesSeparated each category into wetland, lake or stream subgroupsReviewed field data/photos and historical aerial photographyDetermined if hydrologic stress is present
Field Indicators of StressVegetation
Invasion by plants of drier communitiesLeaning/fallen treesDead trees or other vegetationShifts and changes in plant communitiesAge class differences of treesLack of regeneration of wetland plant species
Field Indicators of StressOrganic soils
Oxidation/subsidence (exposed roots)Fissuring
HydrologyEvidence of reduced hydrologyLack of hydrologic indicators
Abnormal Tree Fall – Leaning Trees
Vegetation Shifts
Mature Pine Edge
New Pine Recruitment
Soil Fissures
Organic Soil Loss
f
~Historic Soil Level
Exposed roots (soil subsidence)
Soil subsidence
Methods for Determining StressHerbaceous Wetlands and LakesStress Indicators
Organic soil fissuringLack of hydrologic indicatorsShifts or changes in plant communities
Invasion of woody speciesChanges from historical condition
Aerial Photography – Time Series AnalysisChange in spatial extent and wetland typeHydrologic change (drier condition)Wetland alterations (dredging, filling)
Methods for Determining StressForested Wetlands (includes all stream sites)
Stress indicators
Aerial photography analysisFallen treesWetland alterations (dredging, filling, logging)Change in spatial extent and wetland type
Soil subsidence/exposed roots Soil fissuring
Invasion by plants of drier communities
Age class difference in trees
Shifts or changes in plant communities
Lack of regeneration
Leaning/fallen trees Lack of hydrologic indicators
Dead trees or other vegetation
Preliminary Results397 – Assessment sites231 – Wetlands20 – Streams146 – Lakes
Assessment Sites
Non‐Confounded Sites
Non‐Confounded/Stressed Sites
All Stressed Sites
Work In Progress25 additional sites to be evaluatedFinalize results and databasesIdentify additional monitoring needsDevelop Environmental Assessment Report
Work In ProgressCoordination with Modeling/Tools Team
Evaluation of model runsIdentification of groundwater availabilitySolutions evaluation
Questions