Watershed Conservation Prioritization

Wetland habitat diversity, biodiversity significance, condition, and landscape context were assessed at the wetland and twelve-digit hydrologic unit (HUC 12) spatial scales to determine priorities for wetland and riparian conservation and restoration in the Palouse, Lower Clearwater Middle Fork and South Fork Clearwater River subbasins of north-central Idaho. Field work was conducted during summers of 2005 and 2006. Wetlands were surveyed in the field to identify ecological condition, wetland patterns, vegetation types, and potential functions. Other indicators of condition and ecological significance (e.g., habitat diversity, biodiversity significance, wetland rarity, hydrologic alterations, water quality impairments, land use, road density, etc.) were evaluated by spatial analysis at the HUC 12 scale. Results were used to prioritize watersheds as High, Medium, or Low targets for conservation or as Restoration Opportunity HUC 12s. Reports Wetland Conservation Strategy for the Palouse and Lower Clearwater Subbasins, Idaho Wetland Conservation Strategy for the South Fork and Middle Fork Clearwater Subbasins, Idaho