Jacob F. Berkowitz

Potential Disconnect between Observations of Hydrophytic Vegetation, Wetland Hydrology Indicators, and Hydric Soils in Unique Pitcher Plant Bog Habitats of the Southern Gulf Coast

Abstract The Sarracenia spp. (pitcher plant) bogs located along the southern Gulf of Mexico represent a unique natural resource characterized by endangered and endemic wetland floral communities that include a number of carnivorous plants (e.g., pitcher plants and Drosera spp. [sundews]). Despite the prevalence of obligate wetland plant species and indicators of wetland hydrology, the soils underlying this niche ecosystem often lack clear indicators of hydric soil morphology, posing challenges to wetland delineation and resource management. The National Technical Committee for Hydric Soils and an interagency team of soil scientists investigated saturated conditions and anaerobic soil conditions in pitcher plant bogs. Our results demonstrate that many of the pitcher plant-bog soils examined failed to meet an approved hydric soil indicator. Herein, we discuss potential factors preventing the formation of typical hydric soil morphologies including: low organic-matter content, high iron-concentrations, extensive bioturbation, presence of high-chroma minerals (e.g., chert), and short saturation-intervals. Our examination of soil morphology and condition in these unique and ecologically valuable habitats indicates that additional studies are required to address the apparent disconnect between observations of soils, hydrophytic vegetation, and indicators of wetland hydrology to ensure the appropriate management of these endemic natural resources.

Restoring bottomland hardwood forests on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lands : 2016 monitoring report

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) – Vicksburg District manages over 12,000 ha of restored bottomland hardwood forests within the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley. Restored forest stand ages within the region vary from five 5 to 26 years, providing opportunities to document increases in wetland function across a restoration chronosequence. Additionally, conducting repeated monitoring at restored sites over multiple years allows for an examination of restoration benefits as forest succession occurs. During 2016, wetland functional assessment data was collected and analyzed from 606 sample locations collected within 12 restored bottomland hardwood forest sites. Results indicate that (1) wetland assessment variables show continued progress toward mature forest conditions; (2) wetland assessment variables follow expected recovery trajectories; (3) wetland functional scores display statistically significant increases across the restoration chronosequence; and (4) wetland functional scores improve over multiple years of monitoring. Results display a functional lag between restored areas undergoing ecological succession and mature (e.g., 80-year-old) reference forests. However, a subset of wetland functions in restored sites have attained reference conditions in areas approaching or exceeding tree diameter and canopy closure thresholds. DISCLAIMER: The contents of this report are not to be used for advertising, publication, or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use of such commercial products. All product names and trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners. The findings of this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position unless so designated by other authorized documents. DESTROY THIS REPORT WHEN NO LONGER NEEDED. DO NOT RETURN IT TO THE ORIGINATOR.

Potential Color Change Dynamics of Beneficial Use Sediments

ABSTRACT Berkowitz, J.F.; VanZomeren, C.M., and Priestas, A.M., 2018. Potential color change dynamics of beneficial use sediments. Sediment color is important in determining aesthetic and habitat suitability for beach nourishment projects; however, sediment derived from dredging operations must meet locally established color compatibility requirements (i.e. cannot be too dark). Often, potential sediment sources are close to meeting specified thresholds, and previous observations suggest that sediments may lighten over time following beach nourishment. This work seeks to characterize the degree of color change potential based on the removal of constituents affecting sediment color. Thus, a sequential chemical treatment was developed to examine color changes associated with the removal of carbonates, organic matter, and iron oxide coatings from sediments collected from eight U.S. Army Corps of Engineers dredging operations. The results show that Munsell values increased by an average of 1.0 unit (became lighter in color) upon removal of these secondary constituents. In addition, five of the eight sediments examined surpassed established color thresholds (Munsell value ≥ 5) from their pretreated state. This procedure is meant to serve as a proxy for removal of these constituents by natural processes. Study findings suggest that sediments with initially unacceptable color, and high capacity for color change, may increase potential use of limited sediment resources. Future work will further relate color shifts to sediment composition, sediment mixing, and solar bleaching to predict sediment color changes under real-world scenarios.

Integrated assessment of vegetation and soil conditions following herbicide application

Vegetation and soil conditions were evaluated prior to, and following herbicide application implemented to control woody vegetation and maintain open grassland areas at Fort Hood, TX. Herbicide application resulted in a decreased rate of vegetation resprout compared with areas where herbicide was not used. Specifically, herbicide mixtures containing Remedy Ultra and methylated seed oil (RU-MSO) outperformed treatments in which no herbicide was applied and areas receiving herbicide and diesel fuel oil treatments (RU-diesel) across each of the three soils evaluated. Field monitoring assessed herbicide concentrations in soil and water. Herbicides were not observed in creeks and ponds adjacent to treatment areas. In soils, herbicide concentrations decreased by 72% over one month, likely due to microbial degradation, and with distance from the point of application. Monitoring results suggest that limited lateral and/or vertical transport occurred under field conditions. Laboratory studies evaluated potential fate and transport of herbicide compounds, identifying herbicide affinity for the soil surface. Additionally, RU-MSO treatments were strongly bound to soil surfaces at environmentally relevant concentrations. Further, laboratory column studies also suggest that potential transport in soil remained limited. Incorporating periodic herbicide applications into an integrated vegetation management plan will maintain grassland habitats in support of the mission. DISCLAIMER: The contents of this report are not to be used for advertising, publication, or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use of such commercial products. All product names and trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners. The findings of this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position unless so designated by other authorized documents. DESTROY THIS REPORT WHEN NO LONGER NEEDED. DO NOT RETURN IT TO THE ORIGINATOR.

Operational Draft Regional Guidebook for the Rapid Assessment of Wetlands in the North Slope Region of Alaska

Abstract : This guidebook describes a rapid approach to assessing wetlands within the Arctic Foothills and Arctic Coastal Plain (North Slope) region of Alaska. This report utilized established approaches to (1) characterize regional wetlands, (2) provide the rationale used to determine assessment scores, (3) describe assessment variables utilized, (4) outline the developed assessment equations, and (5) provide a step-by-step protocol for applying results. The regions remote nature and short growing season limits the time period during which on-site data can be collected. As a result, the developed method allows for a tiered approach utilizing (1) an assessment based upon off-site data (remotely sensed or desktop resources) only or (2) an assessment using a combination of on-site (field data collection) and off-site data collection. On-site data collection may be required at the discretion of USACE. Several scenarios are presented to aid users in conducting the rapid wetland assessment.

Evaluation of Wetland Hydrology in Formerly Irrigated Areas

Abstract : The application of irrigation waters has the potential to alter soil morphology, patterns of hydrology, and the distribution of plant communities. As a result, the identification of wetlands in irrigated areas remains challenging. The following report is the first to evaluate the capacity of wetland hydrology to persist following the cessation of external water inputs for the purposes of wetland identification. Twelve of the thirteen study locations examined met the established criteria for wetland identification. The spatial extent of wetland hydrology was determined on-site and compared to estimates based upon an analysis of aerial imagery. Findings suggest that aerial image interpretation provides a useful, but conservative approach to identifying areas of wetland hydrology in formerly irrigated areas. A framework is proposed to support wetland delineations conducted in formerly irrigated areas incorporating off-site evaluations, site visits conducted during the regular wet portion of the year, and analysis of rainfall normality.

Operational draft regional guidebook for the functional assessment of high-gradient headwater streams and low-gradient perennial streams in Appalachia

Abstract : The HGM Approach is a method for developing functional indices and the protocols used to apply these indices to the assessment of ecosystem functions at a site-specific scale. This report uses the HGM Approach to develop a Regional Guidebook to: (a) characterize high-gradient (greater than four percent channel slope) ephemeral and intermittent streams, known collectively as headwater streams, and wadeable, shadeable perennial streams with less than four percent slope, known as perennial streams, in the Appalachian region; (b) provide the rationale used to select functions for the headwater and perennial stream subclasses; (c) provide the rationale used to select assessment variables at the stream, riparian/buffer zone and watershed levels;( d) provide the rationale used to develop assessment equations; (e) provide data from reference streams and document their use in calibrating variables and assessment equations; and (f) outline the necessary protocols for applying the functional indices to the assessment of stream functions. The rapid assessments provided in this guidebook utilize structural components of streams and their watershed and can be used in conjunction with assessment of water quality and biotic communities if desired.

Utilizing Wetlands for Phosphorus Reduction in Great Lakes Watersheds: A Review of Available Literature Examining Soil Properties and Phosphorus Removal Efficiency

Abstract : Excess nutrient loading continues to impact water quality within the Great Lakes. The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) seeks to improve water quality through the reduction of phosphorus inputs from surrounding watersheds. Both natural and constructed wetland ecosystems display the capacity to reduce phosphorus inputs in a variety of agricultural and urban settings. However, maximizing the efficiency and benefits of wetlands for phosphorus reduction requires an understanding of nutrient cycles, soil-nutrient interactions, legacy phosphorus, and other factors. The current report synthesizes existing literature related to wetland phosphorus retention, depicts opportunities for improving water quality outcomes, and identifies opportunities for further research.

A Multifactor Ecosystem Assessment of Wetlands Created Using a Novel Dredged Material Placement Technique in the Atchafalaya River, Louisiana: An Engineering With Nature Demonstration Project

Abstract : A multifactor ecosystem assessment of dredged material supported wetlands was conducted within the Atchafalaya River, Louisiana. The assessment included evaluations of (1) geomorphic evolution, (2) ecosystem classification and distribution, (3) floral communities, (4) avian communities, (5) aquatic invertebrates, (6) soils and biogeochemical activity, and (7) hydrodynamic and sediment transport processes. Results indicate that the innovative use of dredged materials in a riverine environment supports wetland formation and expansion while providing habitat, hydrologic, and biogeochemical functions. The strategic placement of dredged materials in locations that mimic natural process promoted additional ecological benefits, especially regarding wading bird and infaunal habitat, thus adhering to Engineering With Nature (EWN) processes. The multifactor approach improved the wetland assessment, allowing for a comprehensive ecosystem-level analysis of a diverse array of ecosystem components and functions.