2nd Edition

Practical Handbook for Wetland Identification and Delineation

By John G. Lyon, Lynn Krise Lyon Copyright 2011
    208 Pages 148 B/W Illustrations
    by CRC Press

    Wetland identification, although theoretically straightforward, is not cut and dry as a practice. Despite the time and expense, it is an economic and environmental necessity.

    The Definitive Guide to the Practice of Wetland Identification

    The second edition of the bestselling Practical Handbook for Wetland Identification and Delineation offers solutions to real-world problems in the scientific and regulatory aspects of wetlands. The authors present characteristics and indicators of wetlands that are the focus of the jurisdictional issue, and discuss strategies and methods for making wetland identifications and delineations that meet federal requirements.

    What’s new in the Second Edition:

    • Coverage of increased options for scientific evaluation of problematic areas
    • More details on definition of wetlands, description of their functions, and delineation methods used to assess their extent
    • Lay examination of legal questions, regulatory/permitting requirements, statutes, and other guidance
    • Information on the latest techniques for conducting wetland evaluations
    • Exploration of advances in mapping, surveying and remote sensing technologies

    Although the most basic delineation methods and procedures have not changed since the first edition, the availability and power of advanced mapping, remote sensing and surveying technologies have advanced the science. Low and higher altitude aerial imagery, geographic information system (GIS) databases, easily accessible land cover maps, and fine resolution satellite data are just a few of the resources available. In spite of these advances, it is still difficult to find practical directions on how to gather needed data in the literature.

    Updated and revised to reflect changes in the science and technology, the second edition brings together technical criteria, field indicators, and vital regional information in clear language and focused practical utility.

    Background
    What Is a Wetland?
    The Federal Definition and Criteria for Identification of Wetlands

    Methods
    Selecting a Method of Analysis and Level of Detail
    Routine‑Level Methods and Analysis Procedures
    Intermediate‑Level Methods and Analyses Procedures
    Comprehensive Procedures

    Additional Background and Details
    Soils
    Soil Surveys
    Munsell Color Charts
    Plant Measurements

    Additional Methods and Considerations
    Topographic Maps
    Aerial Photos and Remote Sensor Image Data
    Aerial Photos or Images for Characterizing Soils
    Large Area Wetland Evaluations
    National Wetland Inventory Products
    Surveying and Mapping

    Advanced Methods, Hydrology, Soils and Plants
    Qualitative Methods
    Quantitative Methods
    Wetland Soils
    Soil Surveys and Soil Maps
    Growing Season
    Calibrating Hydric Soil Field Indicators to Long‑Term Wetland
    Hydrology
    Plants and Soil Chemistry

    Advanced Methods, Mapping Sciences
    Mapping Sciences
    Remote Sensing and Geographic Information Systems
    Maps
    Digital Elevation Models
    Digital Terrain Models, Digital Line Graphs, and Other Data
    Surveying
    Photogrammetry
    Topographic Information
    Floodplain Mapping
    National Wetlands Inventory
    Detailed Mapping and GIS
    Web Services
    Remote Sensing and Mapping of Wetlands
    General Wetlands
    Spectral Analyses
    Detailed Remote Sensor Analyses
    Radar
    Data Fusion
    Continental‑Scale Image Data Sets
    Advanced Applications and Pattern Recognition
    Indicators

    Oil and Wetlands
    Oil Spills and Hazardous Waste
    Oiling and Methodologies
    Wetlands and Oil
    Spectra
    Water Quality Issues and Oiling
    Oil Applications of GIS

    Permitting, Field Inspection, and Jurisdiction
    The Permitting Process
    Connectivity
    Jurisdiction
    Permitting and Environmental Attorneys
    Wetlands and Riparian and Riverine Areas
    Mitigation.
    The Report and Permitting
    Oversight
    Inspections

    Conclusions
    Where We Are
    Where We Are Going
    Hydrology, Connectivity, and Jurisdiction
    Definitions
    Advanced and Enhanced Methods
    Where Are We Going

    References
    Bibliography
    Plant‑Related References
    Index

    Biography

    John G. Lyon, Lynn Krise Lyon

    "… The second edition of the bestselling Practical Handbook for Wetland Identification and Delineation offers solutions to real-world problems in the scientific and regulatory aspects of wetlands. The authors present characteristics and indicators of wetlands that are the focus of the jurisdictional issue, and discuss strategies and methods for making wetland identifications and delineations that meet federal requirements. …Updated and revised to reflect changes in the science and technology, this second edition brings together technical criteria, field indicators, and vital regional information in clear language and focused practical utility."
    ––Jason Wimbiscus- Noteworthy Books Editor, The Northeastern Naturalist, Steuben, ME