GLEC Continues Support for USEPA's National Aquatic Resource Surveys
In 2011 EPA initiated a survey and assessment of 900 randomly selected wetland sites throughout the conterminous U.S. for the National Wetlands Conditions Assessment (NWCA) phase of the multi-year National Aquatic Resource surveys (NARS). The study will provide statistically valid estimates of the ecological condition of the nation's wetlands by analyzing vegetation, soil characteristics, water quality data, and other ecological indicators. GLEC supports training of survey crews and equipment logistics for the program, along with helping write and design the NWCA field operations manual and project Quality Assurance Plan. The NARS program began in 2003 and includes assessments of U.S. rivers and streams, lakes and reservoirs, and coastal areas. GLEC also contributed to the content and design of the National Lakes Assessment and Wadeable Streams Assessment reports.
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