Abstract
The Landsat Ecosystem Disturbance Adaptive Processing System (LEDAPS) methodology was applied to detect changes in perennial vegetation cover at marshland sites in Northern California reported to have undergone restoration between 1999 and 2009. Results showed extensive contiguous areas of restored marshland plant cover at 10 of the 14 sites selected. Gains in either woody shrub cover and/or from a recovery of herbaceous cover that remains productive and evergreen on a year round basis could be mapped out from the image results. However, LEDAPS may not be highly sensitive changes in wetlands that have been restored mainly with seasonal herbaceous cover (e.g., vernal pools), due to the ephemeral nature of the plant greenness signal. Based on this evaluation, the LEDAPS methodology would be capable of fulfilling a pressing need for consistent, continual, low-cost monitoring of changes in marshland ecosystems of the Pacific Flyway.
Highlights
Marshland can be defined as an area of land where the soil is saturated at least seasonally and which supports hydrophilic vegetation cover, either submergent, floating, emergent, or shoreline forms [1]
The Landsat satellite imagery was analyzed and the results evaluated from the years 1999 and 2009 to provide a detailed record of 10 years of vegetation restoration for selected marshlands within the Northern California Pacific Flyway region
Napa Sonoma Marshes The marshland between the Napa River and Sonoma Creek in the north San Pablo Bay region is called the Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area (NSMWA)
Summary
Marshland can be defined as an area of land where the soil is saturated at least seasonally and which supports hydrophilic (water-loving) vegetation cover, either submergent, floating, emergent, or shoreline forms [1]. California’s Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) has recommended that the state take steps to establish a comprehensive monitoring program that incorporates elements of mapping and inventory, rapid screening assessment, and intensive site-specific evaluation [4]. This program would be established with formal input from the State’s wetlands conservation community including, but not limited to, Joint Ventures and non-governmental organizations. Monitoring elements would be designed to answer broad environmental questions and site-specific questions related to development projects This approach would allow for comparisons of compatible data for the evaluation of restorations project performance in light of overall regional patterns and trends
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