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Wetland assessment technique v3.6Search fields
Description and method logicMethod purposeThe wetland assessment technique (v3.6) assesses wetland health using a standardised and streamlined method.
SummaryThis method provides a basis for wetland managers to assess and monitor the health of wetlands. It is designed for a range of users with different knowledge of wetlands. However they should have, or be able to obtain, knowledge of the local area, of the wetland and potential impacts on it.
Method logic
Steps are provided for working through the assessment and calculating indices. Some indices are common to all wetland types and others are based on the properties and functions of the wetland type. For example the health indices for paperbark wetlands are wetland vegetation, habitat, paperbark condition, and wetland establishment. This assessment methodology is performed along transects.
The steps are:
A Management Options Section is provided with prompts to identify activities which will improve wetland health. These can be used as a basis for more detailed management planning. Criteria groupings of the methodThe assessment is field based with field sheets providing guidance on scoring for indexes.
Data requiredThe data needed is wetland description, wetland proximity, roads, area, adjacent land use, human disturbance factors, observation of acid sulphate soils, vegetation diversity, species number, wetland weeds, habitat potential, Hydrological change or tidal restriction, bank condition, and data specific to wetland type e.g. dead or dying trees and necrotic spots for paperbark wetlands. Data is combination of measurements and field assessment.
Resources requiredExpertise requiredThis technique requires a survey team with knowledge of wetland and potential threats. May require GIS and database knowledge.
Materials requiredThe survey team requires a field kit, which is detailed in the v3.6 manual. Field survey recording sheets and landholder survey questionaires.
Method outputsOutputs
Uses
Criteria by category
Physical and chemicalManagement and planningFloraFaunaReviewRecommended userLand holders, catchment managers, natural resource managers.
Strengths
Limitations
Case studies(not documented) Links
References
Last updated: 7 February 2019 This page should be cited as: Department of Environment, Science and Innovation, Queensland (2019) Wetland assessment technique v3.6, WetlandInfo website, accessed 30 August 2024. Available at: https://wetlandinfo.des.qld.gov.au/wetlands/resources/tools/assessment-search-tool/wetland-assessment-technique-v3-6/ |