Development of a gis-based procedure to identify wetland mitigation opportunities in Mill Creek, Yellow Creek, and Meander Creek watersheds /

Abstract

A user-friendly, turnkey method was developed using GIS (geographic information system)-based screening and ranking procedures to aid in the identification of sites with high potential for wetland mitigation in the Mill Creek, Yellow Creek, and Meander Creek watersheds. The procedures use well established, publicly available data sets, including soil type, land cover, waterways, and topography overlaid in digital format so that the watershed study area can be analyzed spatially. A GIS database for wetlands and related factors in the Mill Creek, Yellow Creek, and Meander Creek watersheds was created. Application of the ranking screening technique yielded several large "Target Areas" in the Mill Creek and Meander Creek watersheds with high potential for wetland mitigation. It is recommended that the AWARE (Alliance for Watershed Action and Riparian Easements) Wetland Mitigation Committee use the ranking procedure developed in this study to identify and evaluate numerous sites within the three watersheds worthy of further investigation for potential wetland mitigation. This information can serve as a starting point for approaching landowners to discuss the acquisition of land parcels for wetland mitigation. The screening and ranking procedures may contribute to the development of an effective Wetland Mitigation Plan as established under the objectives of the AWARE Watershed Action Plan.