University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Evaluation of the Wetland Resources of Illinois by Basin

Suloway, Liane

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/113641

Description

Title
Evaluation of the Wetland Resources of Illinois by Basin
Author(s)
Suloway, Liane
Issue Date
1996-06-30
Keyword(s)
  • wetlands
  • watersheds
Abstract
Wetlands are a severely diminished natural resource in Illinois in terms of quantity. Among the remaining wetlands, a wide range of quality exists. Characterization and classification of wetlands can be an important management tool for resource managers, scientists, and citizens. The objective of this project was to develop a classification model for biological function based on the characteristics of wetland complexes. The basic unit of analysis was the wetland complex from the Illinois Wetlands Inventory (IWI). Wetland complexes as defined in the IWI are groups of wetland polygons which are adjacent to each other. Complexes range from individual, monotypic wetlands to large complexes comprised of multiple systems, vegetative and substrate groups, and water regimes. For this analysis, wetland complexes were characterized by a several parameters and then classified into four categories. Information available in the IWI that was utilized in the analysis were general type, vegetation or substrate type, and hydrology. The Illinois Natural Areas Invent01y (INAI) provided information on locations of significant wetland communities and the Natural Heritage database on locations of threatened and endangered species and colonial nesting birds. The ability to perform a statewide assessment required criteria that could be derived from statewide digital databases. Geographic Information System (GIS) technology was utilized to analyze the data.
Publisher
Illinois Natural History Survey
Type of Resource
text
Language
en
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/113641
Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)
Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Resource Conservation
Copyright and License Information
This document is a product of the Illinois Natural History Survey, and has been selected and made available by the Illinois Natural History Survey and the University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It is intended solely for noncommercial research and educational use, and proper attribution is requested.

Owning Collections

Technical Reports - Illinois Natural History Survey PRIMARY
Reports produced by INHS staff, usually as deliverables for assessment projects funded by federal or state agencies or non-governmental organizations.