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Guidance Document Summary
| Wetland Landscape Position, Landform, Water Flow Path, and Waterbody Type Descriptors |
| LLWW |
Tiner, R.W. 2003a. Dichotomous keys and mapping codes for wetland landscape position, landform, water flow path, and waterbody type descriptors. Northeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hadley, MA.
Click here to access the reference online |
| Classification system |
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This classification (Tiner 2003a) was developed to enhance the National Wetland Inventory (NWI) database, which is based on the “U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wetland Classification System” (Cowardin et al. 1979). LLWW adds descriptors that enhance the utility of NWI data for improved wetland characterization and for conducting preliminary assessments of wetland functions. There is some overlap with these classifications, mainly at the landscape level, since the LLWW descriptors may be used with or without referring to Cowardin et al. 1979.
The application for using LLWW for functional assessment is described under “Watershed-based Preliminary Assessment of Wetland Functions (W-PAWF)” (Tiner 2003b).
“Casco Bay Watershed Wetlands Characterization Method” (Hertz and Sartoris 2001) and “Remotely-Sensed Indicators for Monitoring Condition of Natural Habitat in Watersheds” (Tiner 2004) used this classification. |
Ralph Tiner
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
300 Westgate Center Drive
Hadley, MA 01035
Phone: 413-253-8620
Email: ralph_tiner@fws.gov
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| Ralph Tiner (01/26/05) |
| Ralph Tiner (02/11/05) |
| Document Content (brief statements used as search criteria) |
| Description of one classification scheme (e.g., Cowardin et al. 1979) |
| Not applicable |
| Not applicable |
The “Wetland Landscape Position, Landform, Water Flow Path, and Waterbody Type Descriptors” (LLWW) was developed to enhance the NWI database by adding descriptors for use in watershed-based wetland characterizations and preliminary assessments of wetland functions. There is some overlap with these classifications, mainly at the landscape level, as both reference “Marine” and “Estuarine” ecosystems or landscape positions; however, LLWW may be used with or without referring to Cowardin et al. 1979. LLWW describes and arranges wetland and deepwater habitats in a system useful to resource managers and provides standard units/codes (and terminology) for mapping. It can be used for on-the-ground classification and for inventories based on remote sensing.
The LLWW system follows a hierarchical approach analogous to taxonomic classifications used to identify plant species. There are two sets of dichotomous keys (composed of pairs of contrasting statements): one for wetlands and another for waterbodies. Each of the keys progresses through several levels. The minimum classification for wetlands would include descriptors for Landscape position, Landform, and Water Flow Path. The minimum for Waterbodies would include descriptors for Waterbody type and Water Flow Path. There are numerous descriptors for each, including Modifiers (see examples below). Tiner (2004) notes that other descriptors can also be used to describe the resource condition if data are available (e.g., levels of pollution).
Landscape Position (wetlands): Estuarine, Lentic, Lotic River, Lotic Stream, Marine, and Terrene.
Landform (wetlands): e.g., Slope, Island, Fringe, Floodplain, Interfluve, Basin, and Flat.
Water Flow Path (wetlands and waterways): e.g., Paludified, Isolated, Inflow, Outflow-artificial, Outflow-perennial, Outflow-intermittent, Throughflow, and Bidirectional Flow-tidal.
Water Body Type (waterbody): e.g., River, Stream, Lake, Estuary, Ocean, Bay, and Pond.
Other Modifiers: e.g., tidally restricted, beaver, channelized flow, cranberry bog, drainage divide, partly drained, floating mat, and overwash.
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| n/a |
| To provide a set of descriptors to add to the Service’s “Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States” for use in inventory, mapping, and trends analyses. This classification is based on landscape position, landform, water flow path, and waterbody type. Although intended primarily for use in conducting inventories through photo and map interpretation, the classification can be used to classify wetlands on-the-ground. |
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This classification was developed for the purpose of providing additional descriptors for the Service’s official wetlands classification system (Cowardin et al. 1979) and for enhancing the National Wetlands Inventory database so that it could be used for landscape-level assessment of wetland function. Products include maps, digital data, and wetland trends analyses (e.g., Tiner 2004, Tiner and Stewart 2004). The maps/digital data form the basis for conducting both site specific and landscape-level assessment of wetland function.
This system was first developed and refined on pilot watershed projects in the Northeastern region of the United States. The main focus of these projects was to produce a watershed characterization including a preliminary assessment of wetland functions. Reports have been prepared for the following watersheds: Casco Bay (Maine; Tiner et al. 1999, Tiner 2002b), Nanticoke River (Maryland and Delaware; Tiner and Bergquist 2003 and Tiner et al. 2001, 2000), Coastal Bays (Maryland; Tiner et al. 2000), Delaware and Catskill watersheds (New York; Tiner et al. 2002, Tiner and Stewart 2004), and the Pennsylvania Coastal Zone (Tiner and DeAlessio 2002). The classification was also used in an inventory of the wetlands of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area (Tiner et al. 2003)
The application of this classification for functional assessment is described in the method review: “Watershed-based Preliminary Assessment of Wetland Functions (W-PAWF)” (Tiner 2003b). |
| Sample Data Sheet Availability |
Click here to access the sample data sheet online.
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| Terrestrial | Riparian |
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| Not applicable | Not applicable | | Nontidal Wetland | Tidal Wetland |
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| Non-vegetated, Vegetated | Non-vegetated, Vegetated | | Nontidal Open Water | Tidal Open Water |
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| Intermittent & ephemeral streams, Non-wadeable rivers & streams, Standing water bodies (e.g., lakes, ponds & reservoirs), Urban drainages, Wadeable rivers & streams | Other tidal open water, Tidal rivers & streams | | Other Habitats |
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| Peatland, Reef, Seagrass beds, Submerged aquatic bed (non-tidal) |
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| Yes. This document is designed to address several habitat types within a watershed context. |
| Wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States. |
| Use of Classification for Describing Habitat Functions |
| Yes. |
| This classification produces a set of wetland types that can be correlated to habitat functions. The best correlations could probably be made when wetlands are classified by both LLWW and Cowardin et al. (1979); this was the basic design. A multitude of functions can be evaluated. General functions include: surface water detention, streamflow maintenance, coastal storm surge detention, nutrient transformation, sediment and other particulate retention, shoreline stabilization, fish/shellfish habitat, waterfowl/waterbird habitat, other wildlife habitat, and conservation of biodiversity. |
| All regions of the United States. Correlations between wetland characteristics and wetland functions have been developed for the Northeast. Although most of the correlations are universally applicable, the habitat functions will need to be re-evaluated in other regions. |
- Alaska (AK)
- Atlantic (Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands)
- Intermountain (AZ, CO, MT, NM, OK, TX, UT, WY)
- Midwest (AR, IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI)
- National Capital (DC, DE, MD, VA)
- Northeast (CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT, WV)
- Pacific (Hawaii, Guam, American Samoa)
- Pacific West (CA, ID, NV, OR, WA)
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| Additional calibration or references needed (e.g., development of new HGM models, IBI metrics/indices) |
| Additional calibration or references needed when using the classification for functional assessment. |
| General Categories Addressed |
- Biogeochemistry and water quality for aquatic life
- Habitat (e.g., habitat suitability, biological integrity)
- Hydrologic integrity
- Landscape condition (e.g., connectivity)
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Cowardin, L.M., V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe. 1979. Classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States. FWS/OBS-79/31. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office of Biological Services, Washington, D.C.
http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/1998/classwet/classwet.htm
Tiner, R.W. 2002. Enhancing wetlands inventory data for watershed-based wetland characterizations and preliminary assessment of wetland functions. Pages 17-39 in R.W. Tiner (compiler). Watershed-based wetland planning and evaluation. A collection of papers from the Wetland Millennium Event (August 6-12; Quebec City, Quebec, Canada). Distributed by the Association of State Wetland Managers, Inc., Berne, N.Y.
http://aswm.org/propub/pubs/pdf/tiner_2002_wshed.pdf
Tiner, R.W. 2003b. Correlating enhanced National Wetlands Inventory data with wetland functions for watershed assessments: a rationale for Northeastern U.S. wetlands. National Wetlands Inventory Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hadley, MA.
http://library.fws.gov/wetlands/correlate_wetlandsNE.pdf
Tiner, R.W. and G. DeAlessio. 2002. Wetlands of Pennsylvania's coastal zone: wetland status, preliminary functional assessment, and recent trends (1986-1999). National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hadley, MA.
Tiner, R.W. and H.C. Bergquist. 2003. Historical analysis of wetlands and their functions for the Nanticoke River watershed: a comparison between pre-settlement and 1998 conditions. NWI technical report. National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hadley, MA.
http://library.fws.gov/Wetlands/Nanticoke04.pdf
Tiner, R.W., H.C. Bergquist, J.Q. Swords, and B.J. McClain. 2001. Watershed-based wetland characterization for Delaware’s Nanticoke River watershed: a preliminary assessment report. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Program, Hadley, MA.
http://library.fws.gov/Wetlands/DEnanticoke01.pdf
Tiner, R.W. and J. Stewart. 2004. Wetland characterization and preliminary assessment of wetland functions for the Delaware and Catskill watersheds of the New York City Water Supply system. National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Program, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hadley, MA.
http://library.fws.gov/Wetlands/DE_Catskill04.pdf
Tiner, R.W., S. Schaller, D. Peterson, K. Snider, K. Ruhlman, and J. Swords. 1999. Wetland characterization study and preliminary assessment of wetlands functions for the Casco Bay watershed, Southern Maine. Northeast Region, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Hadley, MA.
Tiner, R.W., M. Starr, H. Bergquist, and J. Swords. 2000. Watershed-based wetland characterization for Maryland's Nanticoke River and Coastal Bays watersheds: a preliminary assessment report. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Northeastern Region, Hadley, MA.
http://wetlands.fws.gov/Pubs_Reports/Md_Watershed/Md_watershed.htm
Tiner, R.W., J.Q. Swords, and H.C. Bergquist. 2003. Wetlands of the Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Program, Northeast Region, Hadley, MA.
http://www.nps.gov/boha/parkdocs/nwi/BOHA_wetland_report.pdf
Tiner, R.W. 2005. Assessing cumulative loss of wetland functions in the Nanticoke River watershed using enhanced National Wetlands Inventory data. Wetlands 25(2):405-419. |
| No additional comments. |
| No additional comments. Reviewer is the author. |
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