|
Delaware Comprehensive Assessment Procedure (DECAP) v5.2Search fields
Description and method logicMethod purposeThe intended use of the Delaware Comprehensive assessment Procedure (DECAP) is to collect data that can be used to assess the condition of wetlands in relation to minimally disturbed sites.
SummaryThe Delaware Comprehensive Assessment Procedure (DECAP) v5.2 is a comprehensive assessment methodology used to evaluate the condition of non-tidal wetlands in the Coastal Plain of Delaware and Maryland. The DECAP includes provision for classification of wetland hydrogeomorphic (HGM) subclass: riverine; depressional; or flat.
Method logicPre-field tasks involved in DECAP are as follows:
1.Determine wetland dimensions 2.If riverine, determine wetland stream order 3.Determine XY coordinates for buffer plots 4.Landowner liaison 5.Collate field maps. The DECAP assessment area is defined depending on the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) type being assessed. Riverine, flat and depressional wetlands follow different procedures for selecting assessment areas. Vegetation assessment plots are located within the centre of assessment areas, and their specific location is ideally determined by using a probabilistic sampling design. DECAP assesses vegetation, geomorphology and hydrology for each assessment area. The datasheets provided by DECAP are as follows: 1.Tree and sapling datasheet 2.Shrubs and vines datasheet 3.Understorey plot datasheet 4.Snags/large downed wood datasheet 5.Microtopography/soil/sphagnum 6.Non-riverine hydrology datasheet OR Riverine Hydrology datasheet AND Riverine morphology datasheet 7.Buffer overstory datasheet 8.Site information datasheet. Following the field assessment, a qualitative disturbance rating is determined from the observations of stressors and alterations to vegetation, wetland hydrology, land use and soils. Best professional judgement is used to assign the site a numerical Qualitative Disturbance Rating from least disturbed (1) to highly disturbed (6) relative to other sites within the watershed. DECAP variables are synthesised in order to apply the Index Wetland Condition (IWC) and produce a wetland condition score. Results from DECAP assessment are converted into Functional Condition Indices (FCIs), which incorporate metrics based on their degree of impact on wetland condition in regards to a reference state. The FCIs are: a) buffer integrity; b) wildlife habitat integrity; c) plant community integrity; d) hydrologic flux and storage; and e) biogeochemical cycling. Each HGM class incorporates a different suite of metrics for calculating each FCI. The formulae for calculation of the IWC are also dependent on HGM class. The IWC produces a score out of 100. Wetland condition categories are based on IWC score distributions within a defined region e.g. a watershed. For example, the condition categories for the Nanticoke Wetlands are based on breakpoints at the 25th and 75th percentile of IWC results, creating three categories: a) highly stressed; b) moderately stressed; and c) minimally or not stressed. Criteria groupings of the methodThe assessment criteria for DECAP are comprehensive, covering flora, physical and site/management attributes.
Data required
Resources requiredExpertise requiredDECAP should be completed by practitioners who have completed a training course on how to properly perform the method. Experience and/or education in wetland classification and assessment, and native flora and soil properties is desired.
Materials requiredAccess to supporting maps and information and land access. General survey equipment is required, as well as provisions for measuring vegetation, soil and hydrology attributes.
Method outputsOutputs
Uses
Criteria by category
Physical and chemicalManagement and planningFloraReviewRecommended userPotential users of the DECAP (or of the information generated by its use) include field staff and managers.
Others who might be interested in using the outputs from DECAP include researchers and staff from science-based non-governmental organisations, and environmental and advocacy groups. Consulting firms, educators, academic researchers, and reporters for written and broadcast media, along with the general public, will also find results from the DECAP to be useful to their interests in wetland science and management. This technique is recommended for government agencies involved in regional wetland monitoring. Land managers and NRM practitioners may find this methodology useful as it is a broadly applicable rapid assessment of wetland condition. Strengths
Limitations
Case studiesChristinaDECAP: Broadkill WatershedRogerson, AB, Jennette, MA & Howard, AM (2013), Condition of wetlands in the Broadkill River Watershed, Delaware.. [online], Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Watershed Assessment and Management Section, Dover, DE.. Available at: https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/watershed-stewardship/wetlands/assessments/broadkill/http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov/.
DECAP: Inland Bays WatershedJacobs, A, Rogerson, A, Fillis, D & Bason, C (2009), Wetland condition of the Inland Bays watershed. Volume 1. Delaware. [online], Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Watershed Assessment Section, Dover, DE.. Available at: https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/watershed-stewardship/wetlands/assessments/inland-bays/.
DECAP: Murderkill WatershedRogerson, AB, Jacobs, AD & Howard, AM (2011), Wetland condition for the Murderkill River Watershed, Delaware. [online], Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Watershed Assessment Section, Dover, DE.. Available at: https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/watershed-stewardship/wetlands/assessments/murderkill/.
DECAP: Nanticoke River WatershedJacobs, AD & Bliel, DF (2008), Condition of nontidal wetlands in the Nanticoke River Watershed, Maryland and Delaware.. [online], Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Watershed Assessment Section, Dover, DE.. Available at: https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/watershed-stewardship/wetlands/assessments/nanticoke/.
DECAP: St. Jones WatershedRogerson, AB, Jacobs, AD & Howard, AM (2010), Wetland condition of the St. Jones River Watershed.. [online], Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, Watershed Assessment Section, Dover, DE.. Available at: https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/watershed-stewardship/wetlands/assessments/st-jones/.
LeipsicMispillionSmyrnaLinksReferences
Last updated: 7 February 2019 This page should be cited as: Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, Queensland (2019) Delaware Comprehensive Assessment Procedure (DECAP) v5.2, WetlandInfo website, accessed 30 August 2024. Available at: https://wetlandinfo.des.qld.gov.au/wetlands/resources/tools/assessment-search-tool/delaware-comprehensive-assessment-procedure-decap-v5-2/ |