CICEET Progress Report for the period 9/15/04 Through 3/15/05

Project Title: Salt Marsh Assessment and Restoration Tool (SMART)
Principal Investigator(s): Jeffrey N. Rogers
Additional Investigator(s): Ray Konisky; John Mustard
Project Start Date: 10/1/04

Figures

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Tasks to meet objectives

• Kickoff meeting
• Subcontracting
• Tide and field data collection
• Begin SWMM modeling
• Begin SMART development

Progress on Tasks
In November and December 2004 we collected 15 days of tidal data, 3 of which overlapped with flow data from an area flow meter installed in the culvert at Drakes Island Marsh. Detailed vegetation mapping of both the restricted marsh and unrestricted control marsh were also collected for approximately 66% of the region of interest before snow and ice prevented further fieldwork (see Figure 1 and Figure 2). Preliminary modeling of marsh conditions using the SWMM program began. On January 4th 2005 the project team had an official kickoff meeting with all project participants to discuss overall roles and science objectives as well as review preliminary data from field and modeling tasks. Software acquisitions were made for Dr. Konisky to begin conversion and construction of the SWMM extension for ArcGIS. Subcontract agreements have been established with Wells NERR, and with C-CLEAR (LiDAR provider).

Difficulties
A delay in processing the grant award pushed back the project start date into November. This caused tidal data collection to begin later with less data collected before the ice set in. We ran into some unanticipated problems with the installation of the area flow meter (see Figure 3 and Figure 4). We intended to collect 7 days of flow data but after 3 the instrument was expelled from the culvert. We installed the instrument again and only recorded a few hours of data before the battery died due to cold weather conditions. We did however get the data we needed to begin calibrating our model.

Project Objectives for Next Reporting Period

Objectives
The objectives for the next reporting period are to finish subcontracting agreements, conduct remote sensing flyovers with associated field data, build a more robust SWMM model, and develop a draft version of the SMART tool extension.

Tasks to Meet Objectives

• Subcontracts with Brown and Hyperspectral provider
• Flight and field data planning/acquisition
• Data Processing of LiDAR and Hyperspectral
• SWMM model refinement
• Begin SMART extension creation

Work Plan for Next Reporting Period
It is anticipated that project sub teams will begin to work in a greater capacity on the four areas of research (Hyperspectral, LiDAR, SWMM, and SMART). Dr. Mustard, Mr. Fisher and Mr. Rogers will begin processing of the hyperspectral datasets producing preliminary vegetation extraction techniques that will be refined in the fall. Mr. Rogers and researchers at UNH will begin manipulation of the LiDAR datasets with similar expectations on time line. Mr. Quigley, Dr Huber, and other GeoSytnec staff will develop a working model of the Drakes Island Marsh system. Dr. Konisky will continue efforts to port existing code and develop new code to support his development of an ArcGIS extension (SMART) of his predicative restoration ecology program.

Anticipated Success in Meeting Project Objectives
Based on the current work loads and progress made to date, it is anticipated that all objectives will be met for the next progress period. The results of Dr. Konisky to streamline his V1 software as part of another CICEET award suggest success in meeting objectives for this project. Early modeling suggests that SWMM will perform well in modeling the Drakes Island Marsh. It is too early to tell if LiDAR and Hyperspectral will be as successful as anticipated since imagery has not been collected.

Overall Project Timeline Update
We are on target with the project objectives and timeline.

Preliminary Data
Data collected and produced to-date consists of a partial vegetation survey, tidal water levels upstream/downstream of the restrictions, flow data from culvert, NOAA LiDAR flyover from spring 2004 (see Figure 5), and preliminary SWMM results. Tidal data collected confirmed the culvert is attenuating tidal water levels to approximately 1 foot in range in the upstream marsh with flow meter measurements suggesting more water is exiting the culvert than entering. Both were expected but needed for model calibration. LiDAR data provided by NOAA from spring 2004 has been used to identify the marsh’s watershed, volume estimates for stage storage curves, and elevation differences between restricted and unrestricted marshes. Early SWMM models suggest that there may be some benefit to rehabilitating the existing culvert (36”) by inserting a 30” HDPE pipe and cement grouting. The effects of this would be more flow into but particularly out of the system preventing coastal flooding of homes during storm events. Contact has been made to attempt to alter the design prior to installation/removal in March 2005.

Dissemination
Conferences: Chapman Salt Marsh Conference (Halifax, Nova Scotia) (~60)

Outreach Activities: Meeting with Massachusetts Bay NEP (9)

Contact with End Users: Several conversations/meetings that updated the End User as to project status.

Expenditures
Expenditures are within the anticipated range with the exception of travel. We have requested a budget revision to cover additional travel costs by pulling money from other budget categories.

End User Advisor Feedback
Name: Tim Smith
Organization: Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management Wetland Restoration Program
Location: 251 Causeway St., Suite 800, Boston, MA 02114
Phone number: 617-626-1247
E-mail: tim.smith@state.ma.us

1) At this stage, what are the potential applications for this research? Please discuss how you and others could potentially use the technology.
The research will result in an invaluable tool for the feasibility assessment, design, and evaluation of salt marsh restoration projects. The tool will aid in preparing grant and permit applications and educating the general public about the effects and benefits of proposed restoration actions.

2) What, if anything, has changed about this project's potential applicability since the last reporting period (not applicable to the first Progress Report)?
Nothing has changed.

3) Do you see any key challenges that the researchers may want to address or keep in mind?
MA CZM is particularly interested in developing useful and efficient techniques for using LIDAR data for salt marsh restoration design and monitoring and other coastal management applications. Special attention should be paid to ensuring the quality and suitability of LIDAR data.

4) Does this report offer you enough information to adequately address the above questions?
Yes