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Monitoring wetland condition for restoration success

Outline. Approach National wetland monitoring system Wetland classificationMonitoring condition of wetlandsExamplesWaikato DistrictSouthland wetland restoration and monitoringKey steps for wetland restoration . Co-ordinated monitoring of NZ wetlands. Sustainable Management Fund Project (SMF

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Monitoring wetland condition for restoration success

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    2. Outline Approach National wetland monitoring system Wetland classification Monitoring condition of wetlands Examples Waikato District Southland wetland restoration and monitoring Key steps for wetland restoration

    3. Co-ordinated monitoring of NZ wetlands Sustainable Management Fund Project (SMF 5105 MfE) Phase I Classification system Method for monitoring changes in extent Phase II Ecological indicators of wetland condition & trend (handbook) Maori-based indicators of wetland condition (Harmsworth) Field guide to wetland classification (Johnson/ Gerbeaux) Reports available SMF, Landcare Research, and National Wetland Trust websites

    4. Phase I: Classification system Freshwater and estuarine wetlands Mapping component Based on ‘Atkinson’ naming & mapping system 1. Structural name (mossfield, shrubland) 2. Compositional name - dominant cover (sphagnum, manuka) Flexible At various scales Used for past/present analysis

    7. Nearly 80% wetlands lost since 1840 Sporadanthus Restiad vegetation class completely destroyed 1840 >10 000 ha, 2002 0ha Sedgeland very poorly represented (<1%) 59% of all wetlands dominated by exotic spp. Sedgelands particularly susceptible to willows Hamilton Ecological District c.5% remaining

    8. Phase II: Indicators of condition

    15. Five semi-independent ecological indicators based on threats that degrade wetlands Compared against an assumed natural state, provide composite index of wetland condition Indicators are: Changes in: Hydrological integrity “hydrology” Physicochemical parameters “soil” Ecosystem intactness “intactness” Browsing, predation & harvesting “pest-free” Dominance of native plants “weed-free”

    16. Condition methodology Scored at both wetland scale and plot scale Field reconnaissance, classification, delineation, and selection of representative plots Permanent plots: Vegetation (cover, richness, height, foliage N & P analysis) Soil (nutrients, water content, bulk density, pH) Water (conductivity, water table) Modifications for specific monitoring purposes: Plots along transects across weed invasion fronts Plots associated with infilled drains across wetlands Additional components added e.g., photopoints, bird counts

    18. Moanatuatua Bog Condition Changes 1975–2000

    24. Steps to Wetland Restoration

    25. Acknowledgements Ministry for the Environment Regional, District and City Councils, Department of Conservation, CRIs, Universities, Iwi, Forest & Bird, wetland community groups Brian Sorrell, Paula Reeves, Paul Champion, Trevor Partridge, Bruce Clarkson, Jonet Ward, Michelle White, Kate McNutt, Allan Turner, Ian Wallace

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