Introduction

The Wetland Assessment document is a simple protocol for assessing the biological status, and condition or 'health' of wetlands within the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment.  This protocol was developed after surveying 17 freshwater wetlands, which had been subjected to varying degrees of disturbance.  

The surveys provided information on the range of aquatic plant species present, the proportion of native to introduced species - both in numbers and in amount of cover, and the number and distribution of noxious weed species.   From this information, and through field tests involving community feedback, the checklists were produced.  Wetland Assessment is intended as a simple tool to help reach an informed decision on the current biological status of a wetland, and form a database for comparison with future assessments.  While this technique is widely applicable, separate protocols need to be developed for use outside the Hawkesbury-Nepean Catchment.

The Wetland Assessment checklists represent a catchment-orientated protocol that requires a minimum of knowledge, experience and training to complete.  The results produced may be added to a database, and compared with future assessments using the same or similar protocols.  It should be noted that there is no substitute for knowledge and experience, and final decisions or actions relating to any wetland should follow a more intensive study.  Some space is allowed in the checklists for extra information, though the main aim is towards obtaining and organizing the minumum amount of information necessary, to reach and be able to justify, an assessment.  The Wetland Assessment is not intended to provide final answers or to replace more intensive studies, but rather to serve as a preliminary appraisal for such studies, or to provide a method for quickly assessing and recording the status of a wetland.

  What's in the guidelines ?

A.  Initial Checklists (1-2)

• location and general description 

• map

B.  Wetland Assessment Checklists (3-6)

• disturbance

• riparian

• shallow 

• deep water

C.  Final Checklist (7)

• final assessment

D.  Identification keys 

• emergent plants

• floating/attached plants

• floating/submerged plants

• salt indicator plants