Leveraging a Landscape-Level Monitoring and Assessment Program for Developing Resilient Shorelines throughout the...

Area of Science:

• Ecology
• Environmental Science
• Conservation Biology

Background:

• Ecosystem management traditionally lacks regional context, hindering effective conservation and restoration.
• Laurentian Great Lakes coastal wetlands are ecologically vital but have suffered extensive degradation.
• Significant investments necessitate refined assessments for successful conservation outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop standardized methods and indicators for assessing wetland condition at a regional scale.
• To provide wetland managers with data-driven tools for scientifically-based decision-making.
• To establish a landscape-scale monitoring program for the Laurentian Great Lakes basin.

Main Methods:

• Implemented a stratified random-site-selection process across the Great Lakes basin.
• Established the Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Monitoring Program in 2011.
• Monitored birds, anurans, fish, macroinvertebrates, vegetation, and physicochemical conditions in approximately 200 wetlands annually.

Main Results:

• Developed and delivered standardized monitoring protocols and indicators.
• Initiated an ongoing international, multi-disciplinary monitoring program.
• Collected crucial data on wetland condition and trends across the Great Lakes ecosystem.

Conclusions:

• The Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Monitoring Program serves as a successful model for landscape conservation design.
• Landscape-scale, standardized monitoring is essential for effective ecosystem management.
• The program provides critical data for informed conservation and restoration of coastal wetlands.