Wetland conservation strategy for the South Fork and Middle Fork Clearwater subbasins, Idaho

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Abstract:

Wetlands of high ecological integrity and restoration opportunity were identified in the South Fork and Middle Fork Clearwater subbasins of north-central Idaho. Wetland habitat diversity, biodiversity significance, condition, and landscape context were assessed at two spatial scales to determine priorities for conservation and restoration. The landscape-scale assessment was conducted for all 40 twelve-digit hydrologic units in the study area. The sub-watershed assessment occurred at the wetland complex scale using a combination of spatial and field collected data. This was done in the mid-upper South Fork Clearwater subbasin and adjacent Middle Fork HUC 12s. We used spatial analysis of digitized National Wetlands Inventory maps to identify the 50 largest wetland complexes for assessment. Detailed field data was collected at 15 of the 50. Field work was conducted during summer 2006. Wetlands were surveyed to identify environmental conditions, wetland patterns, vegetation types, and potential functions. At both spatial scales, indicators of condition were evaluated by spatial analysis. The abiotic and biotic wetland features, habitat diversity, biodiversity significance, condition, and landscape context of 15 wetland complexes is described. Conservation strategies, restoration opportunities, and management recommendations were included for both the landscape and wetland complex scales. Results of this assessment can assist governmental and non-governmental entities involved in wetland planning, conservation, management, and restoration.

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Reference Code: U07IDC10IDUS <br>

Full Citation: Idaho Conservation Data Center. 2007. Wetland conservation strategy for the South Fork and Middle Fork Clearwater subbasins, Idaho. Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Conservation Data Center, Boise. 62 pp. plus appendices. <br>

Location: ELECTRONIC FILE - ECOLOGY <br>

Keywords: South Fork Clearwater subbasin, conservation prioritization, conservation strategy, ecological restoration, landscape assessment, land management, Middle Fork Clearwater subbasin, riparian, watershed assessment, wetland <br>

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U07IDC10IDUS.pdf