A regional guidebook for applying the hydrogeomorphic approach to assessing wetland functions of riverine floodplains in the northern Rocky Mountains

Call Number:

URL:

Keywords:

Abstract:

The Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Approach is a collection of concepts and methods that are used to develop and apply functional indices to the assessment of wetlands. The approach was initially designed for use in the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 404 Regulatory Program permit review sequence to consider alternatives, minimize impacts, assess unavoidable project impacts, determine mitigation requirements, and monitor the success of mitigation projects. However, a variety of other potential applications for the approach have been identified, including a) determining minimal effects under the Food Security Act, b) designing mitigation projects, c) managing wetlands, and d) long-term monitoring of wetlands. This document is a Regional Guidebook for Riverine Floodplain Wetlands of the Northern Rocky Mountains. It provides all the information needed to conduct HGM Functional Assessments for this wetland subclass and includes a) the rationale for selecting the wetland subclass, b) characterization of the wetland subclass, c) the rationale for selecting the functions to be assessed, d) the rationale used to develop the assessment models and select model variables, e) the selection of specific metrics as indicators of wetland function, f) the data from reference wetlands used to calibrate the model variables, and g) the necessary protocols for applying the functional indices to the assessment of wetland functions. The guidebook is organized in the following manner: Chapter 1 introduces the HGM developmental history and outlines the organization of the document. Chapter 2 provides a brief overview of the major components of the HGM Approach and discusses the Development and Application Phases required to implement the approach. Chapter 3 characterizes the geographical extent, climate, geomorphic setting, hydrology, vegetation, soils, and other factors that influence wetland function on riverine floodplains in the northern Rocky Mountains. Chapter 4 discusses each wetland function, model variable, and functional index and provides a summary of wetland functions and variables. Chapter 5 provides the protocols necessary to conduct an assessment using office data, field methods for filling out metric-specific field data forms, and use of computing procedures in the office to calculate Functional Capacity Indices for each function of a project wetland. Chapter 6 provides the user with field data sheets for recording the necessary data. Appendix A presents a Glossary. Appendix B presents documenting data.

Notes:

ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology: Multiple Species, ELECTRONIC FILE - Ecology

Recommended citation: Hauer, F. R., Cook, B. J., Gilbert, M. C., Clairain, E. J., Jr., and
Smith, R. D. (2002). “A regional guidebook for applying the hydrogeomorphic approach to assessing wetland functions of riverine floodplains in the northern Rocky Mountains,” ERDC/EL TR-02-21, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center, Vicksburg, MS.

SWAP (2/19/2016) citation (with publisher name added):
Hauer FR, Cook BJ, Gilbert MC, Clairain EJ Jr., Smith RD. 2002. A regional guidebook for applying the hydrogeomorphic approach to assessing wetland functions of riverine floodplains in the Northern Rocky Mountains. Vicksburg (MS): US Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center. 159 p. No.: ERDC/EL TR-02-21.