waterquality

Wetlands bioassessment is the identification of plant or animal species, communities of species, and ecological processes that can be used to indicate the ecological integrity, or "health", of a wetland. It has many potential applications. It can be used to diagnose the type of human stress impairing a wetland, help define management approaches to prevent further damage and restore a higher level of health, evaluate the performance or success of wetland creation and restoration projects, develop and support water quality standards for wetlands, and track the long term condition of our region's wetlands resources.

In June 1998, the New England Biological Assessment of Wetlands Workgroup (NEBAWWG) was formed. This group, acting in conjunction with the national Biological Assessment of Wetlands Workgroup (BAWWG), has been testing wetland assessment techniques in the Northeast. The workgroup is composed of state and federal wetlands managers and scientists. NEIWPCC has supported NEBAWWG since its inception by coordinating meetings and workshops on wetland assessment and supporting the attendance of state staff at regional and national meetings.