Rainwater Basin Wetland Complex Priority Wetlands

Publication Date

2014-10-01

Time Period

2014-10-01

Type: Online Link

The Rainwater Basin Joint Venture (RWBJV) has successfully implemented wetland restoration throughout the region. One goal of the RWBJV is to develop evolving GIS-driven models which weighs the commutative effect of various landscape features to identify priority conservation focus areas and key Rainwater Basin wetlands for restoration. This research provided insight into the importance of wetland complexes and the effects of roads and other disturbance features on waterfowl behavior. The Habitat and Population Evaluation Team (HAPET) developed both regional and local scale wetland complex models to help guide future conservation actions. The regional model identified wetland complexes representing priority wetland habitat. The original Waterfowl Habitat Use Model was updated to do a fine-scale assessment of contemporary and historic wetland features in the Rainwater Basin. Factors such as anthropogenic influences and landscape features were evaluated to prioritize individual wetland’s ability to meet specific criteria influencing waterfowl use. Playa wetland features in the Historic Wetland Mask (HWM) were used as analysis features. Results from this model can be used as a guide by RWBJV partners to help prioritize wetland protection, restoration, and enhancement activities to maximize benefits to migratory waterfowl.

ScienceBase WMS

ScienceBase WFS

• Eastern Tallgrass Prairie and Big Rivers Landscape Conservation Cooperative
• Great Plains Landscape Conservation Cooperative
• LC MAP - Landscape Conservation Management and Analysis Portal
• Mississippi River Basin / Gulf Hypoxia Initiative

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