Operational draft regional guidebook for the rapid assessment of wetlands in the North Slope Region of Alaska

Abstract

This guidebook describes a rapid approach to assessing wetlands within the Arctic Foothills and Arctic Coastal Plain (North Slope) region of Alaska. This report utilized established approaches to (1) characterize regional wetlands, (2) provide the rationale used to determine assessment scores, (3) describe assessment variables utilized, (4) outline the developed assessment equations, and (5) provide a step-by-step protocol for applying results. The region's remote nature and short growing season limits the time period during which on-site data can be collected. As a result, the developed method allows for a tiered approach utilizing (1) an assessment based upon off-site data (remotely sensed or desktop resources) only or (2) an assessment using a combination of on-site (field data collection) and off-site data collection. On-site data collection may be required at the discretion of USACE. Several scenarios are presented to aid users in conducting the rapid wetland assessment.

Technical guide for the development, evaluation, and modification of wetland rapid assessment methods for the Corps Regulatory Program

“…A variety of wetland assessment strategies have been developed with the goal of improving natural resource management, with a special emphasis on the development and implementation of wetland rapid assessment methods (Figure 2; Stein et al 2009aStein et al , 2009bWardrop et al 2007). For example, Fennessy et al (2007) identified over 40 rapid assessment protocols, and development of additional methodologies continues (Berkowitz et al 2017). The various rapid wetland assessment approaches in use exhibit a wide variety of characteristics.…”

“…In some cases, site visits are not required to complete the assessment. For example, Berkowitz et al (2017) developed a wetland rapid assessment that can be applied with or without a site visit due to the remote nature of the assessment area (North Slope of Alaska) and the limited seasonal period when site visits can be conducted. Completing a site visit adds to the amount of time required to complete the assessment, but allows for evaluation of site-specific, quantitative, numerical measurements (e.g., tree diameter) and increases the precision of the assessment method (Sutula et al 2006).…”