Wetlands Biological Indicators for New Jersey, Case Study: Forested Riparian Wetlands in the Highlands of New Jersey

The goals of this research were to build upon various wetland assessment projects conducted by New Jersey and to aid in development of a rapid wetland assessment tool that could work toward fulfilling the EPA mandate. A specific goal of this project was to identify biological indicators that reflect the ecological health and condition of riverine wetlands in the Highlands physiographic region. Longer-term goals are to better understand a) wetland condition and its relationship to water quality and b) to understand how broadly biological indicators can be applied to wetlands that vary in location, type and extent. The specific objectives included identification and evaluation of existing biological assessments and indicators for different taxonomic groups, including macroinvertebrates, plants, amphibians, fish and birds that are potentially appropriate for the selected wetland class.Final Report, SR03-042Marjorie B. Kaplan is the NJDEP Project Manager.Purpose: To identify biological indicators that reflect the ecological health and condition of riverine wetlands in the Highlands physiographic region