Projects

Hydrogeomorphic Approach (HGM Approach)
The Hydrogeomorphic Approach (HGM Approach) is a method to assess the functional condition of a specific wetland referenced to data collected from wetlands across a range of physical conditions. The approach utilizes a wetland classification system based on geomorphic position and hydrologic characteristics to group wetlands into seven different wetland classes. Regional Guidebooks are developed to assess specific subclasses of the seven HGM classes of wetlands. HGM at the Subclass Level can be used to assess an array of relevant matter, such as current wetland conditions, mitigation ratios, post-project impacts, and restoration success.

LCA
The Louisiana Coastal Area Ecosystem Restoration Study (LCA Study) is authorized to “determine the advisability of improvements or modifications to existing improvements in the coastal area of Louisiana in the interest of hurricane protection, prevention of saltwater intrusion, preservation of fish and wildlife, prevention of erosion, and related water resource purposes” with the goal to reverse the current degradation trend of the coastal ecosystem.

Wetlands and IPET
In response to Hurricane Katrina, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers commissioned the Interagency Performance Evaluation Team (IPET) to analyze the performance of the New Orleans hurricane and flood protection system. The WRTC is active in the evaluation and restoration of wetland areas affected by Hurricane Katrina, and in the development of levee protection and surge reduction technologies.

Wetlands in Iraq
A Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRDA) between the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center and the Iraq Foundation has been established for the purpose of conducting joint research and development investigations related to water resource management issues. The WRTC has a lead role in the evaluation and restoration of the Mesopotamian marshlands located in southern Iraq.

Wetlands in Northern Gulf of Mexico
The WRTC is involved in several wetland projects ranging from Texas to the panhandle of Florida, providing research expertise, guidance and support to regional Corps offices.

Wetlands in South Louisiana
The WRTC conducts extensive research concerning Louisiana wetland issues, providing guidance and support to regional Corps offices.

Wetlands and Watersheds
MAWI
The Multi-Scale Assessment of Watershed Integrity (MAWI) approach assesses the integrity of riparian ecosystems and their adjacent local drainages within a watershed using a suite of indicators representing both large- and small-scale attributes and processes that influence ecosystem integrity. The hydrologic, water quality, and habitat integrity indices resulting from the baseline assessment provide a ranking of riparian ecosystem integrity within a watershed that can be easily manipulated and displayed in a GIS. The approach has been developed and applied in riparian ecosystems of the Southwest, and efforts are underway to develop the approach in other ecosystems and regions.

Watershed Notebook
The Watershed Notebook has been compiled as a resource to address common information needs in implementing the watershed approach, as a part of the System-Wide Water Resources Program. The Watershed Notebook provides information to assist watershed management team members in various phases of planning, development, use, monitoring, regulation, and conservation of water and related land resources. The Notebook assembles and presents the best available guidance and information to organize and implement a watershed approach.