Browsing by Subject "Wetlands"
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Item Breeding Bird Inventory of the St. Louis River, Minnesota and Wisconsin, 1999(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2000) Niemi, Gerald J; Solin, Jeremy; Watters, Deborah; Wolter, Peter T.An inventory of breeding birds associated with wetlands and upland habitats in the St. Louis River system from Duluth and Superior to Jay Cooke State Park was completed during the summer of 1999. A total of 39 wetland areas, each a minimum size of 1 hectare, and 9 forest areas consisting of a total of 79 point samples, were inventoried. Swamp Sparrow, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Yellowthroat, Song Sparrow, and Yellow Warbler (in rank order of decreasing abundance) were the most common species observed in the wetlands. Red-eyed Vireo, Common Yellowthroat, White-throated Sparrow, Ovenbird, American Redstart, Song Sparrow, Veery, and Yellow Warbler (also in rank order) were the most common species observed in the upland habitats. Colonial nesting birds within the St. Louis River system include the Ring-billed Gull (12,343 nests, Pearson 1999), Herring Gull (13 nests, Pearson 1999), Common Tern (215 nests, Pearson 1999), and Great Blue Heron (14 nests). Species of interest to The Nature Conservancy (Ewert 1999) that were found in the inventory included the following: primary focus species included Peregrine Falcon (1 occasional individual), Bald Eagle (frequently observed, one possible nesting pair in Jay Cooke State Park), Sedge Wren (15), Wood Thrush (2), and Black-and-White Warbler (16). Secondary focus species of interest that were observed include Wood Duck (5), Black-billed Cuckoo (3), Belted Kingfisher (7), Eastern Wood Pewee (14), Least Flycatcher (25), Marsh Wren (18), Veery (72), Brown Thrasher (3), Warbling Vireo (12), Chestnut-sided Warbler (26), Black-throated Green Warbler (14), Mourning Warbler (16), Rose-breasted Grosbeak (8), Clay-colored Sparrow (11), Baltimore Oriole (1 ), and Purple Finch (1 ). The following species of primary focus have historically been found in the area, but none were observed in 1999: American Bittern, Piping Plover, and Black Tern. Of the primary focus species, the Sedge Wren is found in highest densities in the sedge/grass wetlands in Allouez Bay, the Oliver Bridge area, and at Boy Scout Landing. These areas, along with Spirit and Mud Lake would also provide potentially excellent habitat for American Bittern and, especially Allouez Bay, for the Black Tern where the species has historically nested. The primary focus species associated with forests were found in highest abundance in the forested regions on the Wisconsin side of the St. Louis River system and in scattered locations in Fond du Lac. High relative abundance for many of these species would also be found in the Jay Cooke State Park area which was not sampled because of the limited time and it is already a protected area. For the secondary focus species, the Marsh Wren was found in highest abundance in the Spirit and Mud Lake areas where extensive patches of cattail wetlands are found. The forest associated species that were identified as secondary focus species were also found most abundantly in the forested regions on the Wi~consin side of the river, Fond du Lac, and they would also be found commonly at Jay Cooke State Park. Clay-colored Sparrows were found commonly in the brush/grass open areas on the Wisconsin side of the river where the Bong Bridge enters Superior.Item Carbon dioxide sequestration and heterotrophy in shallow lakes.(2009-10) Kenning, Jon M.Research has recently begun to show the importance of lakes in controlling global CO2 budgets, but this work has only been done on a few large lakes. Small, shallow lakes and wetlands are the most plentiful lake ecosystems in world, but the most ignored. Here, I explore their ability to sequester CO2 and in some cases release the greenhouse gas to atmosphere. I found that pristine shallow lakes where macrophytes (aquatic vegetation) dominated, the lakes sequestered much more CO2 than disturbed lakes where phytoplankton dominated. Furthermore, I found that heterotrophs in shallow lakes respired tremendous amounts of carbon of terrestrial origin, thus calling into question the net ability of terrestrial ecosystems to sequester carbon. Finally, I found that some of the underlying mechanisms, including the productivity of different autotrophs and growth efficiencies of bacteria, favor greater carbon sequestration by macrophyte-rich shallow lakes. All of my observations form a basis for future work into the ability of shallow lakes to sequester CO2 and stresses the importance of not only saving shallow lakes and wetlands, but preserving them in a macrophyte-rich state.Item Coastal Wetland Monitoring Survey Report: Clough Island(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2014-06) Dumke, Josh; Brady, Valerie; Danz, Nicholas P; Bracey, Annie; Niemi, Gerald JBetter than average water quality at Clough Island wetlands (for chloride and conductivity), as compared to most other SLR estuary wetlands, demonstrates the island's distance from human development. However, these wetlands still are located in the St. Louis River estuary, and thus have poorer quality by many measures than nearby Lake Superior wetlands. In particular, Clough Island wetlands had poorly-developed wet meadow zones compared to Lake Superior wetlands. Most of the Clough Island wetland areas were dominated by an emergent vegetation zone. Submergent vegetation was very patchy, and research by US EPA (Angradi, pers. comm.) found that SAV abundance across the whole estuary varies yearly depending on turbidity levels. In addition, Island wetlands have higher exposure to wind and wave action than do wetlands in secluded bays, which also affects the development of extensive aquatic vegetation beds. Clough wetlands had both high quality and low quality vegetation species, with purple loosestrife and invasive cattail particularly prevalent at 1089. Therefore, floristic quality values were very similar to other estuary sites, but lower than nearby Lake Superior wetlands that had fen components. Clough Island wetland fyke net fish catches were skewed toward warmer water fish (e.g., sunfish) than nearby Lake Superior sites, and water temperatures were substantially higher in the SLR estuary than in Lake Superior wetlands. Clough Island wetland site 1089 also had the most invasive tubenose gobies comprising a fish catch. In contrast, site 1089 had the greatest fish taxa richness. Clough Island wetlands did not provide as much habitat for YOY fish as did highly vegetated, secluded bays. Site 1102 had the greatest number of habitats and included a floating bog mat. Thus, macroinvertebrate richness was highest at site 1102, and more sensitive macroinvertebrates were present at this site. Site 1201 had the fewest habitats, and it had the lowest taxa richness for fish and macroinvertebrates (although sampling effort was also lowest at this site due to the lack of habitats). An invasive, non-native snail (Bithynio, the faucet snail) was found in all wetlands, but made up 7% of the macroinvertebrates collected from site 1201. This was different from nearby Lake Superior wetlands, in which no invasive macroinvertebrates were found. Bird use at Clough Island was different in some ways from other estuary wetlands. Wind and wave exposure and lack of protection may explain why migrating waterfowl and waterbirds were less commonly observed at Clough Island wetlands relative to other estuary wetlands. However, the island's isolation, lack of human usage, and potential for lower numbers of predators may benefit breeding birds, and forest-dwelling songbirds that were detected in large numbers during the breeding season. This idea is reinforced by the detection of secretive marsh birds and the foraging by Common Tern.Item Designing a Volunteer Experience: Waders, Pipe Cleaners, and Glitter(2014-02-17) Gray, JenaIn order to face current and future environmental challenges, we need to have more people engaging with the environment in a positive way. This thesis explores the motivations and satisfactions of volunteers of an environmentally-focused volunteer program. Design thinking is examined as a tool to improve volunteer satisfaction by allowing the volunteers to develop their own innovative solutions.Item Development of Environmental Indicators for the U.S. Great Lakes Basin Using Remote Sensing Technology(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2006) Niemi, Gerald J; Johnston, Carol A; Wolter, Peter T.In 2001 we initiated a study of remote sensing technology to complement our development of environmental indicators for the U.S. Great Lakes coastal region. Our objectives were to: 1) quantify land use/land cover (LULC) and change for the U.S. portion of the Great Lakes basin between 1992 and 2001; 2) identify salient LULC change categories that are most likely to affect near-shore ecosystems; 3) recommend landscape indicators to guide managers toward long-term sustainable development; 4) develop methodologies to quantify SAV within near-shore areas of the Great Lakes; and 5) use historically low water levels in Lakes Michigan and Huron to produce a digital elevation model of recently exposed lake bed using radar interferometry to better model coastal wetland inundation events as lake water levels returns to normal. In addition, we completed four focused studies in the Great Lakes basin: 1) two studies to determine the degree of accuracy of Quiclcbird satellite imagery to identify specific vegetation types within a wetland; 2) an examination of 63 years (1940 to 2003) of land use change in a 100 km2 area in western Lake Erie; and 3) a study to test the use of Hyperion hyperspectral satellite imagery for mapping PhragmitesL an invasive plant species in the Great Lakes. All of the objectives were successfully completed, except objective 5 in which we had technical difficulties with the use of radar interferometry because of changes in ice and snow in the region. A total of six peer-reviewed publications have been completed and three additional publications are either in review or in preparation. The land use/land cover map produced for 1992 and 2001 will serve an extremely important baseline for future monitoring of change in the U.S. Great Lakes basin. A special issue of the Journal of Great Lakes Research is in preparation that summarizes additional work on this project. It is scheduled for publication in 2007.Item Effects of Disturbance of Water-Quality Functions of Wetlands(University of Minnesota Duluth, 1991) Johnston, Carol A; Detenbeck, Naomi E; Hagley, Cynthia; Taylor, Debra A; Lima, Ann R; Bamford, StaceyThe following report has been organized into three sections. The first two sections represent rough drafts of manuscripts on 'Temporal and spatial variability of wetland water- quality in The Minneapolis/St. Paul area" and "Effects of physical, chemical, and hydrologic disturbance on wetland water-quality". The third section summarizes work in progress on assessing time trends in wetland water quality function.Item Effects of Multiple Stressors on Aquatic Communities in the Prairie Pothole Region(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2007) Schoff, Patrick K; Johnson, Lucinda B; Guntenspergen, Glenn R; Johnson, W. CarterThe prairie potholes wetlands of the Great Plains comprise some of the most ecologically valuable freshwater resources of the nation, but they are also exceptionally vulnerable to anthropogenic stressors, particularly those associated with agricultural land use practices. They are also considered likely to be severely impacted by climate change. In this study we have quantified relationships among stressors associated with climate, agricultural land use and amphibian communities throughout much of the prairie pothole region.Item Evaluating state-of-the-art remotely sensed data and methods for mapping wetlands in Minnesota(2013-12) Rampi, Lian PamelaAppropriate management of our natural resources requires constant improvement and update of natural resource inventories. Remote sensing data and techniques offer an effective way to map and estimate changes in our current natural resources. The research presented in this dissertation will demonstrate state-of-the art remote sensing based methods for mapping natural and man-made features, including wetlands, general land cover, and building footprints. High resolution remotely sensed data used in this research included: lidar (light detection and ranging) data (low and high lidar posting density) and multispectral (NIR, blue, green and red bands) leaf-off aerial imagery.This research examined high resolution lidar data through the evaluation of various lidar posting densities and their influence on the accuracy of building footprints and DEMs. The lidar DEM analysis was extended by creating a Compound Topographic Index (CTI) from the DEM to evaluate the potential of the CTI's information for identifying wetland's location. Finally, the results from the second chapter were integrated into the third chapter by combining CTI, high resolution imagery, Digital Surface Model (DSM) and lidar intensity for mapping four land cover classes, including: wetlands, urban, agricultural and forest. A state-of-the-art remote sensing technique known as Object-Based Image Analysis (OBIA) was used to integrate lidar derived products and high resolution imagery. Results and findings of this research are important in two ways: First, advancing the understanding of lidar and lidar derivatives for mapping natural and manmade landscape features. Second, providing needed information to the scientific and civilian community, particularly in the state of Minnesota, to help with the process of updating wetland inventories such as the NWI and increasing the accuracy of mapping wetlands efforts with state-of-the-art techniques.Item Evaluation of Buffer Width on Hydrologic Function, Water Quality, and Ecological Integrity of Wetlands(Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2011-02) Nieber, John L.; Arika, Caleb; Lenhart, Christian; Titov, Mikhail; Brooks, Kenneth N.Human activities including agricultural cultivation, forest harvesting, land development for residential housing, and development for manufacturing and industrial activities can impair the quality of water entering the wetland, thereby detrimentally affecting the natural ecological functions of the wetlands. This can lead to degradation of biota health and biodiversity within the wetland, reduced water quality in the wetland, and increased release of water quality degrading chemicals to receiving waters. Under natural conditions wetlands develop buffer areas that provide some protection from the natural processes occurring on adjacent areas of the landscape. Buffers serve the function of enhancing infiltration of surface runoff generated on adjacent areas, thereby promoting the retention of nutrients in the soil, and retention of sediment suspended in the runoff water, while still allowing runoff water to reach the wetland through subsurface flow routes. To protect wetlands and receiving waters downstream from the wetlands it is important that wetlands in areas disturbed by human activities be provided with sufficient buffer to prevent degradation of wetland biotic integrity as well as degradation of wetland water quality. The question arises, “How much buffer is sufficient?” The objective of this study was to investigate the sufficiency of buffers to protect wetland biotic integrity and water quality, and to evaluate the benefits extended to wildlife by the habit available in wetland buffers. The study was conducted by using a wetland data base available for 64 wetlands in the Twin Cities metro area.Item Evaluation of the effects of methoprene and BTI (Bacillus thurinqiensis israelensis) on non-target organisms: A summary of Red-winged Blackbird (Aqelaius phoeniceusl and bird community studies before-and-after one year of treatment(University of Minnesota Duluth, 1992) Hanowski, JoAnn M; Niemi, Gerald JThe overall objective of the bird studies is to determine if treatment of wetlands with methoprene and/or BTI directly or indirectly affect bird growth, reproduction, behavior, or populations. The Red-winged Blackbird (Aqelaius phoeniceus) was chosen for this study for several reasons. First, Red-winged Blackbirds depend on an aquatic-based food supply during the breeding season (Orians 1961, 1980) and applications of insecticides may have food-chain effects by altering aquatic insect populations. Second, Red-winged Blackbirds nest in high densities within many wetlands, allowing collection of enough samples for reasonable power in statistical analyses. Finally, results from this species may be related to possible effects on other altricial songbirds with similar life histories. Many of these species are not present in large enough numbers or are difficult to study because of secretive habits and hence, adequate samples are difficult to obtain (see Conservation Foundation 1989). In this report we summarize work completed on before- and-after (B-A) study sites in 1988, 1989, and 1990 (pre-treatment) and make comparisons with data collected in 1991 (treatment).Item Evaluation of the potential effects of methoprene and Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) on non-target organisms: A summary of before-and-after sites in western Wright County for 1988, 1989, and 1990(University of Minnesota Duluth, 1992-07) Niemi, Gerald J; Axler, Richard P; Barnidge, Phyllis; Hanowski, JoAnn M; Hershey, Anne E; Regal, Ronald R; Shannon, Lyle JThis report summarizes the results of a multi-year study initiated in 1987 to assess the effects of two mosquito control agents, methoprene and Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti). Methoprene is a juvenile growth inhibitor which suppresses metamorphosis of mosquito larvae from pupating, while Bti acts as a poison to the mosquito stomach. Each of these control agents is currently in wide use in the seven county metropolitan area. Wetlands in Wright County, MN were selected as the study area. This area is beyond the current control program of the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District (MMCD), but was selected because of the lack of any prior treatment to the study sites. Two of six possible townships in western Wright County were randomly selected for detailed study, Victor and Corinna Townships. · The experimental design established in 1987 specified ·a "before-and-after" study in which baseline information would be collected for several years prior to treatment. After three years of data collection (1988, 1989, and 1990), the SPRP and invesitigators of this study decided to initiate treatment in 1991. This report is a summary of the "before .. phases of the study prior to any treatment with mosquito control agents. The non-taget organisms selected for this study included: Red-winged Blackbird populations, the general breeding bird community, aquatic insect populations, and zooplankton populations. The study is primarily focused as a statistical sample of a randomly selected group of wetlands representative of western Wright County. As such the sampling is designed to provide "snapshots" of the respective communities over time and to detect selected changes to the communities in response to applications of mosquito control agents. Sampling of Red-winged Blackbirds consisted of measuring clutch sizes, growth rates of nestlings, fledging success, foraging behavior by adults, and population levels of adults in the wetland sites. Sampling of breeding bird, aquatic insect, and zooplankton communities consisted of gathering replicated samples from each of the wetland sites during critical growing season periods. Several additional activities also were included to better understand critical aspects of the wetlands and to verify applications of methoprene and Bti to these wetlands prior to any treatment. Detailed maps of each of the wetland sites were developed to characterize the vegetation and location of sampling stations for each of the subdisciplines. In addition, procedures were developed to independently verify methoprene and Bti application and approximate the dosage. Analysis of data from the pre-treatment phase of the study indicates that populations of birds, aquatic insects, and zooplankton are highly variable among years. For instance, a wetland with a relatively high population for birds, aquatic insects, or zooplankton one year did not necessarily have a high population the next year. Moreover, we also observed that water levels fluctuate annually greatly within and among wetlands. A wetland with a relatively high water level one year may not have a high level the next. On a regional scale rainfall may appear to be relatively uniform, but on a local scale the pattern of rainfall is ~ot uniform. Red-winged Blackbird nest failure rates have been high overall, varying from 72 to 77 % per year. High nest failure rates are likely due to high predation from both birds and mammals, flooding of nests, cold weather periods, and storms. As expeded, many measurements of Red-winged Blackbird reprodudion varied significantly among years, but few differences were observed between the two study regions. Of the 28 bird species commonly found using these wetlands, many showed significant annual variation. In particular, populations of Red-winged Blackbirds decreased from 1988 to 1990 as well as those of two other common wetland species, the Swamp Sparrow and Common . Yellowthroat. The drought years of 1987, 1988, and 1989 likely are associated with these population changes. However, populations of Yellow.:.headed Blackbirds and Marsh Wrens have decreased over the study period. A total of· 96 genera of aquatic inseds from 23 families ·and 5 orders have been sampled from the 27 wetland sites .. Populations of aquatic insects were highest. in 1988 compared with 1989 and 1990. Little data are available on aquatic insect communities of wetlands to make any comparisons; however, the drought of 1987 and 1988 is the likely cause of decreased populations of aquatic insects in 1989 and 1990. It is unclear how quickly these populations will recover from these extremely dry conditions. Zooplankton populations were less variable between years despite dear differences in rainfall, water depth, and temperature among years. However, sampling was limited in 1988 because of the extreme drought conditions when all sites could not be sampled. The first year that all sites could be sampled was in 1990. A method was developed to measure methoprene to a limit of detection of 0.4 ug/1 (ppb). In samples gathered from the 28 wetland sites, no detectable methoprene was found. Similarly, a method was developed to detect Bti in the water. However, because of the relatively low concentrations that methoprene is active and the rapid decline of Bti once applied, it is likely impractical to verify the amount of. ambient methoprene or Bti in each wetland following treatment. As an alternative, protocols were developed to capture methoprene and Bti in particle samplers on each site to verify treatment. · Using the 1988 to 1990 data, 23 variables were selected to test for differences between wetland sites assigned to methoprene treatment, Bti treatment, or to be maintained as reference sites. Sites were randomly assigned to one of the three treatment groups and the groups then treated to see whether there were significant differences (p < 0.05) in any of the variables. After 458 randomizations, a suitable combination of the sites was identified which will be used in subsequent applications of methoprene and Bti for the "after" phase of the experiment. A review of the statistical power of the experimental design based on the 1988 to 1990 "before" sampling phase indicated that reasonable differences can be detected between treatment groups and reference sites with the experimental design. If treatment with methoprene or Bti have an effect on non-target species in these wetlands then it will be reasonable to detect differences in Red-winged Blackbird reproduction, foraging, or populations; zooplankton size, egg production, or densities; or aquatic insed densities. Despite widely varying environmental conditions such as drought and the lack of consistent trends among the sites, many differences can be detected if they occur due to treatment.Item Evaluation of the potential effects of methoprene and BTI (Bacillus thurinqiensis israelensis) on wetland birds and invertebrates in Wright County, MN, 1988 to 1993(University of Minnesota Duluth, 1995) Niemi, Gerald J; Axler, Richard P; Hanowski, JoAnn M; Hershey, Anne E; Lima, Ann R; Regal, Ronald R; Shannon, Lyle JThis report summarizes the results of a six year study (1988 to 1993) to assess the potential effects of two mosquito control materials, methoprene (applied as Altosid sand granules) and Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti, applied as Vectobac-G granules) on zooplankton, aquatic insects, and breeding birds in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The study was a before-and-after design with 1988 to 1990 as pre-treatment and 1991 to 1993 as treatment years. A total of 27 wetlands in western Wright County were randomly selected and randomly placed within one of three groups of sites: 9 control, 9 Bti-treated, and 9 methoprene-treated. Selected populations of zooplankton, aquatic insects, and breeding birds were sampled within each of these wetlands. Each site was also monitored to verify the applications of Bti or methoprene to the respective sites and to verify that the control sites were not treated. In 1992, the number of study sites was reduced to 26 because of the loss of one methoprene-treated site from sampling. No effects could be attributed to treatment on zooplankton or breeding birds. Aquatic insects, however, were considerably reduced following treatments in 1992 and 1993. Chironomids comprised approximately 60% of the total individuals sampled, and were greatly reduced in both methoprene and Bti sites compared to controls. We focused on this group particularly because of their abundance, but also because they are closely related to mosquitoes and known to be susceptible to both larvicides. However, our results showed that all insect groups were similarly affected by both larvicides. Both Bti and methoprene applications to these wetlands reduced aquatic insect densities by a range of 57-83% and biomass by a range of 50-83% in the second and third years of treatment. Following the effects of treatments observed in 1992, populations of aquatic insects recovered to pre-treatment levels at the start of 1993, but quickly declined again following treatment. No food chain effects of these declines, with the possible exception of increases in the density of some copepods in methoprene-treated sites, were observed in either zooplankton or in breeding birds. High nest loss rates due to predation may have been a greater limiting factor to birds than mosquito control treatment. The carrying capacity of bird populations may also be lower than that affected by food reductions, especially since alternative foods tended to be available for Red-winged Blackbirds outside of the wetland study sites. Even though this study represents one of the largest ever conducted to assess the effects of mosquito control materials on non-target organisms, a variety of questions regarding the overall effects of mosquito control treatments remain unanswered. Among the most pressing questions are the determination of the long term effects (e.g., > 5-10 yrs) of the control program and whether populations of aquatic insects can continue to recover within these treated areas.Item Evaluation of the potential effects of methoprene and Bti on anuran malformations in Wright County, MN(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2001) Johnson, Catherine M; Johnson, Lucinda BAn increasing number of amphibians from around the globe have been reported with deformations and malformations of the eyes, mandibles and internal organs as well as missing, abnormally shaped, abnormally pigmented, or multiple limbs. For the purposes of this document, the terms “deformation” and “malformation” are defined as in a recent USGS publication entitled, “Field Guide to the Malformations of the Frog and Toad” (Meteyer et. al. 2000a). Thus, the term deformation refers to alterations in form or structure that occur later in development, resulting from mechanical factors such as amputation. “A deformation does not involve an intrinsic defect in morphogenesis and impacts a structure that is otherwise developing normally.” The term malformation refers to “errors in any phase of morphogenesis including cell proliferation, cell migration, differentiation, programmed cell death or regression of larval structures.” This report is primarily concerned with malformations and their possible connection with the use of either methoprene or Bacillus thuringiensis var. israeliensis (Bti) in developing Rana pipiens (northern leopard frogs) in central Minnesota.Item Methods to Incorporate Historic Surface Hydrology Layer in Mn/Model [Phase 4] Using Existing Geographic Information System Data(Minnesota Department of Transportation, 2008-05) Stark, Stacey L.; Farrell, Patrice M.; Mulholland, Susan C.The goal of this research was to develop methods for identifying indicators of historic and prehistoric surface hydrologic features in available Geographic Information System (GIS) data to create a GIS layer representing relict hydrography for inclusion in Mn/Model, Mn/DOT’s statewide archaeological predictive model. This research addresses the limitation imposed on the current predictive model by the absence of historic and prehistoric surface water features, such as drained lakes and wetlands. Because several important variables are derived from surface hydrography in Mn/Model, the use of historic/prehistoric hydrologic features, instead of strictly modern features, will greatly improve its predictive accuracy. This research resulted in an automated tool, developed using ArcGIS ModelBuilder and based on ESRI ArcGIS ArcInfo 9.2 (ESRI 2005), that can be used on any county in the state where the input data are available. 17.Item Minnesota’s Lake Superior Coastal Program: Evaluating Vital, Small Forested Wetlands(University of Minnesota Duluth, 2015) Olker, Jennifer; Hueffmeier, Ryan; Johnson, Lucinda BItem Neighborhood Revitalization: Phalen Greenway(1999) Goetz, Edward; Humphrey Institute Class on Strategies for Neighborhood RevitalizationItem Northeast Minnesota Wetland Mitigation Inventory and Assessment, Phase 1: Final Inventory Report(2009) Barr Engineering"The Northeast Minnesota Wetland Mitigation Inventory and Assessment Project is a two phase project to identify potential wetland mitigation opportunities located in northeastern Minnesota and analyze those opportunities to develop goals and priorities. Both phases of the project are designed to only address the technical aspects of wetland mitigation, analysis of policy related issues are beyond the scope of this project. Phase 1 is designed to identify potential wetland mitigation sites and inventory and assess mineland wetlands and Phase 2 will assess siting recommendations based on priorities, including but not limited to: mitigation types/methods, water quality, proximity to impaired waters, technical feasibility and wetland functions. The wetland mitigation inventory has been conducted with a watershed emphasis to identify watershed and water quality improvement opportunities within the study area. Baseline data was collected to develop an initial understanding of the existing wetland resources and a regional assessment was conducted of potential opportunities for wetland restoration, enhancement, preservation and creation. The intent of this study is to use existing data to identify potential wetland mitigation opportunities and verify and assess the technical feasibility of a limited sampling of sites in the field. Based on the technical committee and stakeholder feedback, four general categories of mitigation methods were evaluated: wetland restoration, preservation, enhancement, and creation. A GIS model analysis was conducted utilizing existing data sources to identify potential wetland mitigation opportunities within the project area. Potential wetland mitigation sites were identified throughout the study area... Approximately three percent of the potential mitigation opportunities spread across 17 of the 18 counties have been evaluated in the field to determine the accuracy of the modeling methods and to sample landowner interest. Northeastern Minnesota faces unique challenges for wetland mitigation due to several factors, namely: • The presence of extensive wetland resources, • Approximately 57 percent of land is in public (federal and state) and tribal ownership, • Few established wetland mitigation banks currently exist, • A perceived lack of traditional wetland mitigation opportunities exist, and • The need for approximately 550 acres of wetland mitigation is projected annually in the foreseeable future. An ad hoc committee formulated a strategy which included five main recommendations: • Conduct a regional wetland mitigation inventory to determine the availability of wetland mitigation opportunities in the region. • Conduct a regional mitigation siting study to summarize the results of the regional inventory and help to streamline mitigation planning in the region. • Develop a northeastern Minnesota wetland bank cooperative – a third party to coordinate, promote, and develop wetland banking within the region. • Compile up-to-date knowledge or research on non-traditional mitigation methods • Update the National Wetlands Inventory for northeastern Minnesota Following discussions with northeastern Minnesota legislators, a legislative bill was introduced to fund the regional wetland mitigation inventory and the mitigation siting study. In 2007, after receiving stakeholders’ testimony the Legislature funded the inventory and the siting study recommendations through a two-year appropriation to the Board of Water and Soil Resources (BWSR) for 2008-2009."Item Productivity of Wet Soils: Biomass of Cultivated and Natural Vegetation(University of Minnesota Duluth, 1988) Johnston, Carol AWet soils, soils which have agronomic limitations because of excess water, comprise 105 million acres of non-federal land in the conterminous United States. Wet soils which support hydrophytic plants are "wetlands", and are some of the most productive natural ecosystems in the world. When both above- and belowground productivity are considered, cattail (Typha latifolia) is the most productive temperate wetland species (26.4 Mg/ha/year). Both cattail and reed (Phragmites australis) have aboveground productivities of about 13 Mg/ha/year. Although average aboveground yields of reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) are lower (9.5 Mg/ha/year), techniques for its establishment and cultivation are we 11-deve1 oped. Other herbaceous wetland species which show promise as biomass crops include sedge (Carex spp.), river bulrush (Scirpus fluviatilis) and prairie cordgrass (Spart ina pectinata). About 40% of wet soils in the conterminous U.S. are currently cultivated, and they produce one-quarter of the major U.S. crops. Most of this land is artificially drained for crops such as corn, soybeans, and vegetables. U.S. wetlands are drained for agriculture at the rate of 223,000 ha/yr. Paddies flooded with water are used to grow rice, cranberries, and wild rice. Forage and live sphagnum moss IV are products of undrained wetlands. A number of federal and state regulations apply to the draining or irrigation of wetlands, but most do not seriously restrict their use for agriculture.Item Railroad impacts on wetland habitat: GIS and modeling approach(Journal of Transport and Land Use, 2014) Mitra, Subhro; Bezbaruah, AchintyaDeepor Beel is one of the most important wetlands in the Brahmaputra Valley of lower Assam in India and is representative of the wetlands found within the Burma Monsoon Forest biogeography region. Deepor Beel is a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention and is contiguous with Rani and Garbhanga reserved forests. These forests house endangered Asiatic elephants (Elephas maximus) in addition to other birds and animals. The elephants depend on the wetland for water and food. Indian Railways con-structed Assam state’s southern railroad through the wetland in 2001. The railroad has fragmented the wetland into at least two subsystems and has segregated the wetland-forest ecosystem. Accelerated degradation of elephant habitat has been observed in the wetland since the railroad was constructed. Further, a number of elephants have died because of collisions with rail traffic. This study quantifies the impacts of the present railroad on the Deepor Beel ecosystem with special reference to Asiatic elephants. Geographic information systems (GIS) and mathematical models are used in impact quantification. The tools developed in this study can be used in analyses of similar ecosys-tems around the world.Item Reintroduction of Soil Mycorrhizae into Roadside Prairie Planting(Minnesota Department of Transportation, 1995-12) Charvat, Iris; Pawlowska, Teresa; Smith, Michael; Stenlund, Dwayne; Nichols, KristineThe three objectives of this project were as follows: (1.) to survey the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi from the prairies, wetlands, and Mn/DOT experimental sites in anticipation of using data as indicators of the sites' health, (2.) to produce mycorrhizal inocula by different methods and (3.) to incorporate the inoculum into a Mn/DOT restoration site. This project was the first year of a three year study that seeks to define the variability in the mycorrhizal spores and other structures present in different ecosystems and determine if these fungi can be used as indicator species. All phases of the project were successful. The preliminary results suggest the mycorrhizal fungal spore numbers will be useful health indicators of restoration sites. General and single spore mycorrhizal inocula were generated using primarily native grasses and forbs as plant hosts. The general inoculum was then incorporated into a Mn/DOT experimental site. Future evaluations of this site will help to answer long-term questions regarding the possible benefits of amending disturbed roadway plantings or other prairie restorations with mycorrhizal inoculum.