A GIS Analysis and Comparison of Potential Wetland Mitigation Opportunities in the Red Clay Creek and White Clay Creek Watersheds, Chester County, Pennsylvania

Keywords: Wetland Mitigation, Geographic Information Systems, Chester County, Pennsylvania
Session Type: Virtual Poster Abstract
Day: Sunday
Session Start / End Time: 2/27/2022 03:40 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada)) - 2/27/2022 05:00 PM (Eastern Time (US & Canada))
Room: Virtual 27

Abstract

Wetland type environments provide innumerous functions and values that are beneficial to the environment. Historically these habitats have suffered significant losses and as the pressure of human development expands, it is crucial to preserve existing wetlands and plan for future restoration opportunities. This research examines the Red Clay Creek and White Clay Creek watersheds in Chester County, Pennsylvania to determine where potential wetland mitigation opportunities occur. Using a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis, three wetland characteristics including watercourse locations, existing National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) wetlands, and hydric soils were mapped and evaluated throughout each of the watersheds. Based on the occurrence of these characteristics, five sites were selected for ground-truthing investigations. To support findings from the ground-truthing investigation, a review of historical aerial imagery was performed. Of these five selected sites, three were deemed suitable for potential wetland mitigation opportunities. This research shows that GIS analysis could be a useful tool in determining where mitigation opportunities lie and could be used to prioritize planning wetland creation activities.