PNW 98 Session - Full Abstracts

Full Abstract

Sarah Spear Cooke

Cooke Scientific Services, Inc.

A comparison of the results of two different Functional Evaluation methodologies from a large Northwestern watershed.

Many methods exist to evaluate wetland functions, including the new Washington State Wetland Functional Assessment protocol. Selecting a method appropriate for a project can be difficult because the available Many methods exist to evaluate wetland functions, including the new Washington State Wetland Functional Assessment protocol. Selecting a method appropriate for a project can be difficult because the available Many methods exist to evaluate wetland functions, including the new Washington State Wetland Functional Assessment protocol. Selecting a method appropriate for a project can be difficult because the available Many methods exist to evaluate wetland funcitons, including the new Washington State Wetland Functional Assessment protocol. Selecting a method appropriate for a project can be difficult because the available methods were developed for a broad range of applications and they vary in their accuracy and complexity. Most of the existing methods determine the qualitative functional performance, while the new Washington functional assessment method examines actual indicators of functions which makes it quantitative in nature. It is obvious that a determination of functional performance based on quantitative data is preferred for making decisions for permits, preventing impacts, and restoration or enhancement.

The Washington State Functional Assessment method is as yet untested. This method was used in conjunction with a commonly used Reppert-based functional evaluation protocol, the Semi-quantitative Wetland and Buffer Assessment Methodology (SAM) to assess 140 wetlands in a large watershed in Whatcom County in western Washington State. The functional performance for each of the principal functions is compared for all the wetlands evaluated. Strengths and weaknesses of each method became apparent during its use. The merit and suitability of the quantitative Washington State Method became apparent during the study because of the reliability of the results. The results are reliable because they are based on measuring specific characteristics.

I have inserted this 5 times and sections of it keep getting wiped out. Please see the hardcopy version I submitted to be sure it has all come across.eR><CENTER><H3>Counter: 2762</H3></CENTER></body></html>