In the spring and summer of 2007 the Environmental Protection Agency and the Casco Bay Estuarine Partnership commissioned the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve (WNERR) to map fringing marsh along the mainland coast of Casco Bay, Maine. Early (spring) work involved the use of aerial imagery to identify fringing marshes along the mainland coast. Later in the summer, after vegetation had matured, teams performed field surveys at randomly-selected sample points to obtain information not available from aerial photography. The following white paper, written by Peter S. Hayes of the WNERR (www.wellsreserve.org), documents the research process and findings of the study, in which XMap was extensively used.
Fringing marshes are small salt marshes that form along estuary channels, protected coves, and other areas shielded from heavy wave action. Unlike the better known barrier or finger salt marshes, fringing marshes are small – often only a few meters long and a meter or two wide – and, because of these characteristics, have not been documented in resource or ecosystem inventories as have larger salt marshes. With an increasing appreciation of the ecological significance of these small ecosystems, there is increasing interest in documenting their existence and, where appropriate, improving efforts for their protection.
The goals of the project were to produce GIS-compatible files of the location and areal extent of the fringing marshes along the mainland coast. Field surveys were to provide estimates of the size of marshes as measured using hand-held GPS units. Those marshes surveyed were subjected to a ‘rapid assessment’ protocol that provided quick estimates of characteristics significant in evaluating marsh health and degradation causes. Finally, as part of the GPS measurements of marsh area, the perimeters of a subsample of marshes were to be measured at an elevation of forty centimeters (40 cm) above the existing marsh perimeter. This would provide an estimate of the potential marsh adaptation to a predicted 40 cm rise in sea level over the remainder of this century.
Pete Hayes combines an eclectic background, including degrees in electrical engineering, environmental studies, and (soon) environmental economics, and experience in computer databases and software development. His interests in promoting a better, more sustainable human-ecosystem coexistence have led to participation in several projects for the Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve, with activities ranging from field work in coastal watersheds and salt marshes to image processing and computer modeling. He lives with his family and four dogs in Cumberland, Maine, working to make life, as the Maine slogan says… the way it should be!
