Pacific Northwest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (CESU)

Hydrologic and Ecological Monitoring of Montane Wetlands in North Cascades, Mount Rainier, and Olympic National Parks

Project ID: P13AC00685

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Partner Institution: University of Washington

Fiscal Year: 2013

Initial Funding: $10,076

Total Funding: $10,076

Project Type: Research

Project Disciplines: Biological

National Park: Pacific West Region Washington

Principal Investigator: Lawler, Joshua

Agreement Technical Representative: Rochefort, Regina

Abstract: Wetland ecosystems are ecologically important components of park landscapes. Montane wetlands may be particularly vulnerable to changing climates. Responsible and effective park protection of these areas relies on accurate inventories of sites, a detailed understanding of ecosystem functions and hydrologic cycles, and projections of changes based on future climates. Currently, parks have incomplete baseline inventories of montane wetlands and only qualitative information on hydroperiods of wetlands. The goals of this collaborative project are to collect hydrologic data to support the development of models, to collect GPS data to improve delineations of wetland maps, and to use these data to improve model projecting future wetland hydroperiods and function. The models will be used by park managers, scientists, and other interested parties to apply vulnerability assessments to park landscapes and develop adaptation strategies for future park management of these important components.

Deliverables: