| Abstract: |
Our goal was to identify high quality existing examples or the best restorable examples of floodplain forest ecosystems in the Connecticut River watershed. To this end, we employed a five-step process: 1) construct a topographically-based GIS model for places along the river network where geomorphic characteristics favored the development of riparian communities; 2) verify current spring flooding using satellite image analysis comparing spring and fall imagery; 3) develop a predictive model (CART analysis) to separate floodplain forest occurrences from other riparian systems such as alluvial marshes, conifer swamps and other basin wetlands; 4) evaluate the characteristics of each potential floodplain forest occurrence in terms of size, condition, and landscape context; and 5) prioritize the occurrences with respect to suitability for conservation action using a ranking along 4 axes of ecological function. Results yielded 377 examples over 50 acres in size. Of these, only 32 were above average in all four ranking axes of current natural cover, landscape context, hydrologic regime intactness, and verified spring flooding extent. These ranks can inform conservation strategies such as restoration of natural streamflows, replanting of floodplain forest communites, and working with streamside landowners and other stakeholders. |