*>EPA Science Forum ¦Partnering to-Protect Human tf&iltltand tlic&vgitonr^^^^ Ricardo D. Lopez1, Curtis M. Edmonds1, Anne C, Weal©1, K. Bruce Jones1, Daniel T. Heggem1, John G. Lyon1 1United States Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development, National Exposure Research Laboratory, Las Vegas, Nevada of Invasive and Year of Water: Thirty Years of Progress Through Partnering Donald Garrftfo^ Eugene Jaworski3, Mare® Capodiwacca3, Terrence SSonedcer2 Environmental Photographic Interpretation Center, Reston, Virginia, 3Eastern Michigan University, Department of Geography and Geology, Ypsilanti, Michigan The Problem Invasive and opportunistic plant species have been associated with wetland dis- turbance. Increases in the abundance of plant species such as common reed (Phragmites australis) in coastal Great Lakes wetlands are hypothesized to occur with shifts toward drier hydrologic regimes, from other physical disturbances within or on the periph- ery of wetlands, or as a result of all of these factors. Hyperspectral remotely sensed data is being used to develop spectral signatures of Phragmites-dominated wetlands. Successful identification of Phragmites using hyperspec- tral data will permit regionwide mapping, and the mapping results can then be used to devel- op replicate samples to test the hypothesis that increases in Phragmites abundance are associ- ated with hydrologic or other physical wetland disturbances. This project is also exploring the same capability for mapping purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and cat- tails (Typha spp.). Physical disturbances in or near wetlands may affect the presence of invasive plants. Wetlands dominated by Phragmites are less bio- logically diverse and provide less suitable habi- tat for some organisms. Partnership Success This project builds upon prior collaborative relationships and forges new and innovative partnerships with Eastern Michigan University, the Ohio State University, Michigan State University, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Army Coips of Engineers (Detroit District), and private industry. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 5 and the U.S. EPA Office of Research and Development, Regional Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program (REMAP) jointly funded this project. The Solution This study was conducted to test the ecological applicability of airborne hyperspectral remote sensing data to accurately: (1) detect Phragmites, (2) map Phragmites' geographic extent, and (3) deter- mine important ecological parameters (e.g., per- cent cover, stem density, and stem height) within Phragmites patches on the ground. The map- ping results of this project support EPA's wet- land assessment efforts in western Lake Erie, Lake St. Clair, Lake Huron, and Lake Michigan. Coastal wetland study sites in Ohio and Michigan coastal zone where airborne hyperspectral remote sensing imagery was used to map invasive and opportunistic plants. Science Success Results of this study demonstrate how a combination of hyperspec- tral airborne remote sensing and detailed baseline ecological field sampling may improve the accuracy of mapping wet- land vegetation, one of the least accurately mapped land-cover classes at a landscape scale. M:W Semi-automated classification of remote sensing data at Site E, indicating areas of relatively tall, high percent-cover, high stem density Phragmites (solid blue). P indicates the general location of the seven largest stands of Phragmites at the site, as determined by aerial photographs and field reconnaissance. Final map accuracy = 91%. Black arrow = field-sampled Phragmites stand. Inset = enlargement of field-sam- pled Phragmites stand with internal-stand transects ( ) and stand-perimeter transect (yellow). For additional information about this project, please visit our website at the following URL: [ ¦ http://www.epa.gov/nerlesd1/land-sci/wetlands.htm We thank John Schneider of the Great Lakes National Program Office, Joe Dlugosz, and Arthur Lubin for their continued support of this project. This presentation has been subjected to the EPA's programmatic review and lias been approved for publication. Mention of an)' trade names or com- mercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use. Partnering to Protect hfurnan -Health and the .Emrhoiiment ------- |