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Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Classification, Inventory, and Reference Wetlands

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Mid-Atlantic Freshwater Wetlands: Advances in Wetlands Science, Management, Policy, and Practice

Abstract

Classifying wetlands is useful for describing and managing their natural variability. The hydrogeomorphic (HGM) approach, which covers classification, reference, and functional assessment aspects, has proven to be helpful in classifying wetlands as to their position in the landscape, their source of water, and the flow of that water. In this chapter, we review the origins and characteristics of freshwater wetlands for ecoregions of the Mid-Atlantic region (MAR), which are dominated by riverine types. Inventories of wetlands in the MAR are dated, so we discuss what is known with regard to status and trends, and potential solutions. We discuss the value of establishing a reference set to assist with classification, assessment, and mitigation of wetlands, and describe the set of reference wetlands compiled for Pennsylvania by Riparia. Preliminary results from a regional condition assessment of wetlands in the MAR are provided.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Riparia, Department of Geography, Pennsylvania State University, 302 Walker Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA

    Robert P. Brooks, Denice Heller Wardrop & Joseph A. Bishop

  2. Department of Biology, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, 27858, USA

    Mark M. Brinson

Authors
  1. Robert P. Brooks
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  2. Mark M. Brinson
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  3. Denice Heller Wardrop
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  4. Joseph A. Bishop
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Correspondence to Robert P. Brooks .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Riparia, Department of Geography, Pennsylvania State University, Old Main 201, University Park, 16802, Pennsylvania, USA

    Robert P. Brooks

  2. , Riparia, Department of Geography, Pennsylvania State University, Old Main 201, University Park, 16802, Pennsylvania, USA

    Denice Heller Wardrop

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Brooks, R.P., Brinson, M.M., Wardrop, D.H., Bishop, J.A. (2013). Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Classification, Inventory, and Reference Wetlands. In: Brooks, R., Wardrop, D. (eds) Mid-Atlantic Freshwater Wetlands: Advances in Wetlands Science, Management, Policy, and Practice. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-5596-7_2

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