Project ID: 2005ND75B

Title: Evaluating and Validating the Index of Plant Community Integrity for the Assessment of Temporary, Seasonal, and Semi-permanent Wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region

Project Type: Research

Focus Categories: Wetlands, Ecology, Management and Planning

Keywords: Prairie Pothole Region, wetlands, assessment, wetland ecology

Start Date: 03/01/2005

End Date: 08/31/2005

Federal Funds: $4,040

Non-Federal Matching Funds: $10,407

Congressional District: 1

Principal Investigator:
Don Kirby

Abstract

The goals of this research project are to (1) evaluate the Index of Plant Community Integrity (IPCI) for use in temporary, seasonal, and semi-permanent wetlands on state and tribal lads in Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota within the Northwestern Glaciated and Northern Glaciated Plains ecoregions, and (2) validate the use of the IPCI on an ecoregional basis. In 2003 and 2004, a total of 110 wetlands, 36 temporary, 39 seasonal, and 35 semi-permanent were sampled in Montana, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Using the IPCI, the sampled wetlands will be evaluated to test if the method works for all classes of wetlands in the two ecoregions. The data gathered should prove useful for (1) a set of initial data points for future assessments, (2) assessment of the success of mitigation, restoration, and creation projects, and (3) serve as a basis for biological criteria for wetlands in the state’s water quality standards.

Progress/Completion Report PDF