MoDNR Topics
Wetlands
Current Projects:
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Using Headwater Wetlands to Improve Water Quality: This project aims to locate small headwater wetlands (1-5 acres in size) in agricultural areas to improve water quality more effectively. In addition to disseminating information to the agricultural community about the water quality benefits of headwater wetlands, we will locate such areas for either creation and/or restoration using GIS and remote sensing. Results of this grant have the potential of forging a new path in mitigation banking and water quality improvement.
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Establishing a Dollar Value for Wetlands: This project aims to establish a current dollar value for wetlands under past, present and future conditions. The valuations or appraisals will be based on a per-acre basis as a common geographic measure. Besides helping to mitigate wetlands loses, innovative ideas such as actual dollar for dollar exchanges and future wetland tax credits will be explored.
Completed Projects:
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Urban Wetlands Grant: The East Fork Little Blue River and the Rock Creek watersheds were chosen to assess the impact of urbanization to wetlands. Both study areas were chosen due to their population growth, presence of wetlands on the National Wetland Inventory (NWI), and access to wetlands on public lands. The NWI was used as baseline data by which comparisons were made from color infrared aerial photography that was acquired in 2002. Photographic interpretations were performed to determine the amount of wetlands that still exist, and land use conversions of those that have been eliminated.
Water quality was collected on a quarterly basis in both watersheds at sites selected using a stratified random sampling design. Parameters chosen for analyses were: total phosphorous, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia nitrate, and temperature. Analysis was conducted using a Hach DR 2000 and EPA approved methods.
Soil was analyzed for copper, lead, zinc, and nickel at each wetland site in the spring of 2002.
A plant survey was also conducted at the sites chosen for water quality sampling. Throughout the term of the project, plants were identified within a 1.5 meter plot at each site.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7, made funding for the Urban Wetlands Grant possible. The complete project is found here. Final Report 1.07 MB PDF
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Wetland Image Analysis Grant: The goal of this study is to develop a "cook-book" for using remote sensing (satellite imagery, aerial photography) to identify specific types of wetlands. Study sites are located on public lands such as the Missouri Department of Conservation refuge areas, Department of Natural Resources state parks, or Fish and Wildlife Service refuges. Cooperation with these agencies is essential for the success of this project. These areas are all located in close proximity to the Missouri River. Other state and local agencies and wetland professionals who are interested in a cost-effective method of collecting large-scale wetland data may use the results of this study. Results may also be used in the future for a comprehensive wetland inventory for Missouri. This was completed in July 2002. Final Report 81 KB PDF
Using Remote Sensing to Identify Wetlands - Presentation 5.42 MB PDF -
Assessment of Section 404 Wetland Mitigation Sites in Missouri: Assessment of specific wetland mitigation sites representative of Section 404 wetland mitigation efforts in Missouri was conducted. Existing conditions of the sample sites were compared to those intended as described in the individual Section 404 Wetland Mitigation Plans. Findings of the assessment will contribute to the effectiveness of compensatory mitigation for wetlands. Final Report 2.9 MB PDF
- Wetland Hydrology Grant: The purpose of this study is to develop and refine methodology for determining the flooding regimes of Missouri riparian wetlands. The study objectives are to correlate the area inundated by a flood of a given magnitude and the boundaries of a wetland, estimate the frequency a wetland is inundated, estimate the duration that a wetland is inundated and refine methodology to be applied on a regional or watershed basis. This was completed in July 2001. Final Report 2.31 MB PDF
