March, 1997 Wetlands Research Update Prepared by: Richard Sumner, Regional Liaison Western Ecology Division, USEPA-National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory Corvallis, Oregon 97333 The organizational structure of EPA-sponsored wetland research is currently being reevaluated. From the process will emerge a new and broadened research agenda for developing a risk-based approach to wetland protection. The EPA wetland research team will be expanded to take advantage of expertise located across EPA's National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory. New studies will be conducted to complement current research objectives that are: mm 1) Determine how wetlands contribute to environmental quality, both individually and as an aggregate within the landscape; (2) quantify the effects of stressors and landscape factors on wetland function to assess the risks posed by the associated loss and degradation of wetlands; (3) develop risk management options through the use of site prioritization and performance criteria for wetland management; (4) design and test monitoring systems that can assess wetland function and condition, and the effectiveness of risk reduction activities (i.e., adaptive management). LANDSCAPE FUNCTION Development of conceptual landscape models is a fundamental step in an analysis of the interaction of wetlands with other ecosystems within broad geographic areas, such as ecoregions and watersheds. The models serve as a guide for selecting appropriate environmental indicators of ecological risk and establishing rules for their combination in overlay analysis (i.e., using a Geographic Information System - GIS). Models for landscape characterization also are used in the ------- Wetlands Research Update - Page 2 design of empirical studies needed to enhance confidence in the results from such analysis. Prioritization of watersheds in the Prairie Pothole Region proceeds with an appraisal of results produced from landscape models used in synoptic assessment. The EPA/ORD is continuing work in the Prairie Pothole Region to refine its synoptic approach for the rapid assessment of wetlands across broad geographic scales (Abbruzzese and Leibowitz, inf press, and Leibowitz et al., 1992b). The indicator- based approach enables wetland managers to produce statewide maps that rank subunits of the landscape (e.g., watersheds) relative to the risk of cumulative wetland loss and/or the potential effectiveness of ecosystem restoration. Research currently is focused on the development of procedures for appraising the landscape models used to, drive synoptic iassessment. The procedures are based on Qualitative Structural Equation Modeling (QSEM), a methodology being developed by the Landscape Function Project. It is an adaptation of Structural Equation Modeling (Bollen, 1989, and Johnson et al., 1991). Using QSEM, synoptic indicators are graphically depicted in a manner resembling a flow chart. The resulting conceptual model is further analyzed, and a subjective level of confidence is attributed to stated relationships between environmental indicators (e.g., area of hydric soils) and synoptic endpoints (e.g., wetland restoration potential for waterfowl habitat). More rigorous testing of indicator accuracy will follow with the acquisition and analysis of empirical data. The empirical data are currently being collected in cooperation with the Biological Resources. Division of the U.S. Geological Survey. Results of the synoptic assessment of the Prairie Pothole Region, with technical documentation, is expected in December 1997. Synoptic assessments also are continuing in Arkansas and Mississippi for the prioritization of areas ecologically suitable for wetland restoration. Two EPA/ORD-funded projects are being managed by the University of Arkansas and Arkansas State University. Also, a new complementary project is being initiated by the U.S. Geological Survey with support from EPA's Regional Office in Atlanta. Work is focused on the White River Basin of Arkansas and the Yazoo River Basin of Mississippi. Current tasks include the development of landscape characterization models and indicators for synoptic assessment. Project reports are anticipated in early 1998. Lastly, the EPA/ORD is cooperating with the U.S. Geological Survey to complete a study on the DELMARVA Peninsula. A manuscript describing study results is in preparation. It will discuss relationships between the water quality improvement function of wetlands and the hydrogeomorphic character of surrounding landscape. WETLAND POPULATIONS The EPA/ORD is continuing to analyze long- term data sets that have been collected by monitoring wetlands in Oregon. The information is being used to demonstrate and refine EPA/ORD's "An Approach to Improving Decision Making in Wetlands Restoration and Creation" (Kentula et al., 1992). Newly commissioned ------- Wetlands Research Update - Page 3 research in New Jersey will serve to widen the geographic scope and range of issues addressed by the Oregon project. One of the overall objectives of research is the development of protocols for characterizing populations of wetlands. Protocols are being developed for multiple purposes including (1) establishment of wetland reference condition for regional goal setting (e.g., designated use under state water quality standards), (2) performance evaluation of individual wetlands, and (3) reporting on wetland condition across a range of landscape and land use settings. More specifically, new results from EPA/ORD's Oregon Wetland Study continue to demonstrate the efficacy of using information from established monitoring programs to develop wetland management strategies. Natural wetlands and mitigation projects exhibit hydrologic differences within urban land use settings. Hydrologic conditions are critical to the establishment and persistence of wetlands. Therefore, it is important to understand how the landscape setting of both natural wetlands and mitigation projects influences their hydrologic regimes. EPA/ORD has been monitoring the hydrologic characteristics of 52 natural and mitigation wetlands in the Portland, Oregon, metropolitan area. Early results show considerable hydrologic variability among wetlands in terms of.both short-term and seasonal dynamics. During individual storm events, land use appears to be the most important factor affecting changes in water level. Both natural wetlands and projects in highly urban settings have exhibited large and rapid changes in water level. differences in hydrologic conditions have been observed between naturally occurring wetlands and mitigation projects. In naturally occurring wetlands there is a seasonal progression of declining water levels during late spring and summer as standing water, typically <0.5m deep, dries out to a shallow groundwater surface up to a meter below the land surface. In contrast, standing water in wetland projects is maintained at a nearly constant level through the summer months. The management implication is that mitigation projects should be designed to encourage a recovery of the dynamic hydrologic regime, as opposed to simply keeping the project site wet. More importantly, project goals should reflect the true capacity of restoration sites to recover a more natural hydrologic regime. The EPA/ORD also is continuing to explore how monitoring procedures and results can be extrapolated to different geographical regions. New research by Rutgers University to explore wetland function and variability in urban and suburban landscapes. The EPA/ORD has competitively awarded a cooperative agreement to Dr. Joan Ehrenfeld of Rutgers University. Her study will entail the characterization and monitoring of wetlands located in the transportation corridor of northern and central New Jersey. The corridor is comprised of a number of counties affected by a complex of major highways including the New Jersey Turnpike, the Garden State Parkway, Interstates 80, 78, and 280, and an emerging transportation corridor along Interstate 287. The objective of research is the development of appropriate environ- On a seasonal basis, however, notable ------- Wetlands Research Update - Page 4 mental indicators and assessment procedures for evaluating the function and condition of wetlands in urban and suburban landscapes. The study is proceeding with the selection of reference wetland sites, classified by physiographic province, hydrogeo-morphic and land-use setting, and of an indicator variable set (e.g., using herbaceous vegetation as an indicator of disturbance). Study results should prove useful to wetland managers interested in knowing the attainable quality of natural wetlands in an urban setting, and thereby setting benchmarks for ecosystem restoration. The EPA/ORD-funded monitoring projects.also are being closely linked with other EPA funded efforts in the states and as described under the Technical Information Transfer section of the Update. Lastly, the EPA/ORD is moving with its research cooperators towards publication of a special issue of Restoration Ecology. It will offer 11 papers reporting on various methods for prioritizing sites within watersheds suitable for riparian restoration. The special issue is the culmination of five years of research in California, Colorado, and Oregon. Information presented in the publication is expected to foster implementation of EPA's new River Corridor and Wetlands Restoration Initiative. Publication of the special issue is expected in June 1997. WETLAND FUNCTION Information on relationships between environmental stressors and the condition of wetlands is needed for a risk-base|d approach to wetland protection. New research results are providing managers with insight into the capacity of wetlands to withstand various types of disturbance in addition to their direct conversion to uplands. Wetlands can be degraded by agricultural runoff containing the herbicide atrazine. The restoration of riverine and prairie pothole wetlands is often proposed as a way to reduce risks posed to surface waters in agricultural landscapes by nonpoint source pollution. However, recently completed research by EPA and the University of Minnesota indicates that the sustainability of some natural wetlands and restoration projects can be compromised if they are exposed over time to the widely-used herbicide atrazine (Detenbeck et al., 1996). The finding is based upon experiments conducted in wetland mesocosms at EPA's Ecological Research Station in Monticello, Minnesota. During experimentation wetland mesocosms were treated with atrazine at concentrations typical of those observed in Midwestern surface waters following spring runoff. Results showed that the net productivity of periphyton was significantly depressed in the treated wetlands at concentrations > 25mg/l atrazine. Dissolved nutrient concentra-tions also increased in treated mesocosms after two weeks. The implication is that atrazine exposure will disrupt primary productivity in wetlands, and thereby compromise water quality improvement functions. The amount and nature of disruption will vary, depending upon the level of atrazine in surface runoff and its retention time within a wetland. In closely related research, the EPA/ORD is preparing manuscripts that describe the effects of sedimentation and changing water regimes on wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region. Discussion is focused on how wetland condition and function can vary in response to conservation practices implemented for the control of sedimentation and related nonpoint source pollution. Such practices include the reestablishment of vegetation buffers around ------- Wetlands Research Update - Page 5 wetlands using farm operator incentives provided under USDA's Conservation and Wetland Research Programs. Lastly, EPA/ORD research is continuing on the topic of establishing reference conditions for wetlands along the shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. Current studies are exploring the use of fish as an indicator of wetland condition. More specific research objectives are focused on (1) the movement of energy and nutrients between wetland and open water systems, and (2) how best to address the widespread occurrence of exotic species (e.g., Eurasian ruffe) during the process of establishing reference condition. TECHNICAL INFORMATION TRANSFER ACTIVITIES Over the last year, the EPA/ORD has contributed resources and expertise to the following activities performed in collaboration with the EPA Regional Offices, states, and tribes. Several of the activities directly support Agency initiatives for community-based environmental protection. Description of bioindicators for assessing ecological integrity of prairie wetlands - This new document serves as a reference on the use of various environmental indicators and related metrics for evaluating the condition of wetlands located in the Prairie Pothole Region of the country (Adamus, 1996). It highlights the use of algae and invertebrates as robust indicators of wetland exposure to excessive stress. Compilation of amphibian toxicity data for water quality criteria chemicals - There is increasing recognition that amphibian data should be included in the derivation of water quality criteria. While water quality criteria protective of fishes afso may protect amphibians, exceptions may occur in wetlands or ephemeral water bodies. The purpose of this new EPA/ORD report is to consolidate amphibian toxicity data into forms useful for individuals interested in the derivation and support of ambient water quality criteria {Schuytema and Nebeker, 1996). The establishment of wetland reference condition in the states Information from EPA-funded studies in Oregon, Minnesota, Ohio, and Pennsylvania is being used to develop protection and restoration criteria that reflect the inherent variability of wetlands, including their relative functions and conditions. The development and validation of hydrogeomorphic-based (HGM) approaches for wetland assessment - The EPA/ORD recently commissioned and distributed a report entitled, "Background and Recommendations for Establishing Reference Wetlands in the Piedmont of the Carolinas and Georgia" (Brinson et al. 1996). Current attention is focused on the development of a conceptual framework that can link the HGM approach with a multimetric approach developed for stream ecosystems called the index of biological integrity or IBI {Karr, 1986, and Karr and Kerans, 1992). Methods development for biological assessment and the establishment of biological criteria for wetlands - An examination of the use of biological criteria for wetlands is being completed by Dr. Jim Karr, University of Washington, under an agreement with EPA's Regional Office in Seattle. It was funded by EPA's Office of Science and Technology. A final report is being prepared by Dr. Karr in response to peer review comments. The report discusses the HGM-based approach to wetlands assessment in context with a proposed IBI-based approach. The report should be available for distribution in the spring of 1997. ------- Wetlands Research Update - Page 6 ฎ Technical review of new research on the geographical prioritization of wetland restoration activities along the Platte River of Nebraska -- A new wetland study has been initiated under a cooperative agreement between EPA's Regional Office in Kansas City and the University of Nebraska. Scientific leadership for the effort is being provided by Dr. Dennis Jelinski of The Queen's University, Ontario, Canada. Researchers will construct a conceptual landscape model that will be used to derive alternative landscape design scenarios for the prioritization of wetland restoration activities along the Platte River of Nebraska. 9 Evaluating the effects of ecosystem protection in the Clackamas River Basin of Oregon In support of the President's Forest Plan for the Pacific Northwest, EPA/ORD has funded new cooperative research to evaluate and predict the effects of multiple, relatively small environmental protection actions on the ecological function and condition of larger landscape units (e.g., watersheds). In particular, information from the study will be transferred to local communities in the form of methods and approaches for establishing environmental benchmarks. Benchmarks are used to gauge the success of conservation practices towards meeting the environmental goals identified for a watershed. They are based upon an established reference condition, and they are described by means of environmental indicators. A cooperative agreement for the project was competitively awarded to the Pacific Rivers Council. Dr. Charles Dewberry and Dr. Jim KaiT are the principal researchers of the study.1 Analyzing the effects of past, present, and future stresses on the ecological resources of the mid-Willamette Valley, Oregon The project consists of two separate studies. The first study, led by researchers from the University of Oregon, builds upon past EPA/ORD-funded research conducted in Monroe County, Pennsylvania (Steinitz et al., 1994) and the Camp Pendleton region of Southern California (Steinitz et al., 1996). A new report, expected in March 1997, will document an array of future land-use development scenarios for the Oregon study area, and predict how each might affect ecological resources including water quality and biodiversity. Study methods and results will be transferred to local county government in support of land use planning. A second team from Oregon State University is concurrently completing a time-series historic reconstruction of the mainstem of the Willamette River. Results from the Oregon State study will be used to produce a series of landscape designs that geographically prioritize river corridors most suitable for ecological restoration. Corollary studies also have been initiated by EPA/ORD to develop environmental indicators and benchmarks for use in evaluating the effects of ecological restoration and related stewardship activities in the study area. ------- Wetlands Research Update - Page 7 RECENT PUBLICATIONS AND CITED LITERATURE .^3 o. The following publications may be obtained through a library. Inquiries about EPA publications may be directed to EPA's Center for Environmental Research Information, Mailstop G72, 26 West Martin Luther King Boulevard, Cincinnati, OH 45268 - Telephone (513) 569-7562. Abbruzzese, B. and S.G. Leibowitz(1n presง) A synoptic approach for assessing cumuliBveimpacts to wetlands. Environmental Management. Adamus, P.R. 1996. Bioindicators for assessing ecological integrity of prairie wetlands. EPA/600/R- 96/082. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, Corvallis, OR. Bollen, K.A. 1989. Structural Equations and Latent Variables. Wiley-lnterscience, John Wiley and Sons, Inc., New York, NY. Brinson M.M., W.L. Nutter, R. Rheinhardt, and B. Pruitt. 1996. Background and recommendations for establishing reference wetlands in the Piedmont of the Carolinas and Georgia. EPA/600/R-96/057. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, Corvallis, OR. Johnson, M.L., D.G. Huggins, and F. DeNoyelles, Jr. 1991. Ecosystem Modeling with LISREL: A new approach for measuring direct and indirect effects. Ecological Applications 1(4): 383-398. Karr, J.R. et al. 1986. Assessing biological integrity in running waters: A method and its rationale. Special Publication 5, Illinois Natural History Survey, Urbana, IL. Karr, J.R. and B.L. Kerans. 1992. Components of biological integrity: Their definition and use in development of an invertebrate IBI. Pages 1-16 in T.P. Simon and W.S. Davis, eds. Environmental Indicators: Measurement and Assessment Endpoints, EPA-905/R-92/003, Environ. Sci. Div. USEPA, Chicago, IL. Kentula, M.E., R.E. Brooks, S.E. Gwin, C.C. Holland, A.D. Sherman, and J.C. Sifneos. 1992. An Approach to Improving Decision Making in Wetland Restoration and Creation. Island Press, Washington D.C. Leibowitz, S.G., E.M. Preston, L.Y. Arnaut, N.E. Detenbeck, C.A. Hagley, M.E. Kentula, R.K. Olson, /rw-^0 W.D. Sanville, and R.R. Sumner. 1992(a). Wetlands^-j^j Research Plan FY92-96: An Integrated Risk-Based Approach. Edited by Joan P. Baker. EPA/600/R- 92/060. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Research Laboratory, Corvallis, OR. Leibowitz, S.G., B. Abbruzzese, P.R. Adamus, L.E. Hughes, and J.T. Irish. 1992(b). A Synoptic Approach to Cumulative Impact Assessment: A Proposed Methodology. Edited by S.C, McCannell and A. J. Hairston. EPA/600/R-92/167ju.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Research Laboratory, Corvallis, OR. Magee, T.K., S.E. Gwin, R.G. Gibson, C.C. Holland, J.E. Honea, P.W. Shaffer, J.C. Sifneos, and M.E. ^ f) Kentula. 1993. Research Plan and Methods Manual for the Oregon Wetland Study. Document production by K. Miller. EPA/600/R-93/072. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Research Laboratory, Corvallis, OR. Schuytema, G.S. and A.V. Nebeker. 1996. ^ . Amphibian toxicity data for water quality criteria 0 j 1R chemicals. EPA/600/R-92/124. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, Corvallis, OR. Steinitz, C., E. Bilda, J.S. Ellis, T. Johnson, Y. Hung, E. Katz, P. Meijerink, A. Shearer, H.R. Smith, A. Sternberg, and D. Olson. 1994. Alternative futures for Monroe County, Pennsylvania. Harvard University, Graduate School of Design, Cambridge, MA. Steinitz, C., M. Binford, P. Cote, T. E. Edwards Jr., S. Ervin, R.T.T. Forman, C. Johnson, R. Keister, D. Mouat, D. Olson, A. Shearer, R. Toth and R. Wills. 1996. Biodiversity and landscape planning: Alternative futures for the region of Camp Pendleton, California. Harvard University, Graduate School of Design, Cambridge, MA ------- |