Title:
A statewide approach for identifying potential areas for wetland restoration and mitigation banking in Georgia: an ecosystem function approach
A statewide approach for identifying potential areas for wetland restoration and mitigation banking in Georgia: an ecosystem function approach
Author(s)
Kramer, Elizabeth A.
Carpenedo, Steven
Carpenedo, Steven
Advisor(s)
Editor(s)
Carroll, G. Denise
Collections
Supplementary to
Permanent Link
Abstract
Georgia ranks second among EPA Region 4
states in estimated wetland acreage and has a rich diversity
of wetland types. Georgia is currently the nations 10th
most populous state and is projected to double in population
within the next 25 years. A large fraction of this
growth is projected for areas proximal to wetlands, such as
coastal counties. Currently in Georgia there is no coordinated
statewide program for the identification and prioritization
of landscape-level wetland areas used for wetland
mitigation banks or other restoration activities. As a result,
current restoration efforts benefit the immediate area and
satisfy “no-net-loss”, but may not contribute greatly to the
overall health of the watershed. Developing a prioritization
map of potential wetland restoration areas will help
natural resource managers focus restoration efforts in areas
that will provide the greatest cumulative effect on the
health of a watershed and surrounding communities.
The purpose of this project is to provide state, federal
and non-governmental natural resource managers with a
Georgia-specific GIS database of potential areas for wetland
mitigation banks and conservation and restoration
projects using a GIS model to prioritize wetland functions
and values. The potential wetland restoration areas
(PWRA) prioritization model is constructed in two components;
component one prioritizes wetland areas based
upon ecosystem functions, and component two prioritizes
wetland areas based upon threats to these functions. In
addition to providing information for the 404 and 401
processes, the output could provide information and coordination
for many statewide planning activities.
Sponsor
Sponsored by:
Georgia Environmental Protection Division
U.S. Geological Survey, Georgia Water Science Center
U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service
Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia Water Resources Institute
The University of Georgia, Water Resources Faculty
Date Issued
2009-04
Extent
Resource Type
Text
Resource Subtype
Proceedings