I am particularly interested in how scientific data is utilized by governmental agencies for the management of natural resources. My project entails the characterization of wetlands within the Cross Timbers and Central Great Plains ecoregions of Oklahoma, using the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) approach developed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). HGM classifies wetlands by geomorphic setting, water source and hydrodynamics with the aim of parsing wetlands into categories that maintain a particular set of ecosystem functions. HGM was originally developed by the USACE as a means to rapidly assess wetland functions for development projects falling under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. However, HGM has since been used by Federal and State agencies to monitor the health of wetlands.

Characterization of wetlands in Oklahoma will involve interpreting Geographic Information System (GIS) datasets in conjunction with rapid field evaluations. For the dominant class of wetland found in the study area, I will identify reference wetlands that range in condition from highly disturbed to pristine. Reference wetlands provide the basis for determining what functions an HGM class should provide as well as the level of functionality indicative of pristine conditions. I will develop a functional profile, or list of functions provided by the dominant wetland class along with the landscape and ecosystem processes that affect the level of functionality.