Statistical classification of vegetation and water depths in montane wetlands

Ecohydrology
By: , and 

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Abstract

Relationships between water depths and density of submergent vegetation were studied in montane wetlands using statistical techniques based on clustering and an extension of regression trees. Sago pondweed (Stuckenia pectinata) was associated with lower average water depths than water milfoil (Myriophyllum sibiricum). We detected a nonlinear relationship when average water depths were used to predict percent cover in S. pectinata, with depths of 30–40 cm, producing the highest predicted average percent cover of S. pectinata; higher and lower depths resulted in lower percent cover predictions. For M. sibiricum, higher water depths were monotonically associated with higher average percent cover. To foster more S. pectinata and less M. sibiricum, managers might employ water control structures to reduce water depths below 1 m, using both temporary drawdowns and average depths of 30–40 cm. Other species responded less markedly to water depth variation. Should decreased water depths become more common, these results suggest an increase in S. pectinata and a decrease in M. sibiricum.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Statistical classification of vegetation and water depths in montane wetlands
Series title Ecohydrology
DOI 10.1002/eco.1252
Volume 6
Issue 2
Year Published 2013
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center
Description 9 p.
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Ecohydrology
First page 173
Last page 181
Country United States
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