CONTENTS

Current Research

Discriminating and mapping invasive plant species using advanced remote sensing technology

The primary objective of this project was to investigate the application of high-resolution satellite imagery to vegetative mapping in an estuarine wetland environment. The overall goal is to enable managers of wetland sites to identify plant species and to address habitat change issues in a timely fashion.

In the first phase of this project, all existing Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve plant communities will be mapped using high-resolution satellite imagery. Maps of the research reserves will be produced and statistics will be reported. The anticipated outcomes are (1) to have an improved understanding of the degree to which these plant communities can be mapped by advanced remote sensing systems, and (2) to develop and implement a remote sensing methodology that will allow an assessment of habitat change due to the presences of plant communities containing purple loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) and/or common reed (Phragmites australis). We hope to determine the degree to which high-resolution satellite imagery can be used to quantify these habitat changes.

In the second phase of this project, we will assess the advantages of using high-resolution satellite imagery for detailed vegetation mapping, relative to traditional photo interpretation methodology. We will also develop and implement a plan to disseminate and deliver resulting products to coastal resource managers. We expect the findings to be of general applicability for any coastal wetland area, including many sites in the National Estuarine Research Reserve System.

This project is conducted in cooperation with the New York Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, the National Estuarine Research Reserves, and is funded by the Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET).