By using a GIS model, based on vegetation composition, vegetative buffer width, soil composition, and wetland footprint, we were able to demonstrate a quantifiable method to select areas in the need of management. Results allow visualization of the current routes of pollution around a wetland. The combination of factors that impact risk/resistance to pollution results in a management tool. Vegetation composition, width of buffer, soil, and wetland footprint were chosen for the model because they are considered the most significant determinants in reducing nitrates and other pollutants from entering a water body in the wetland ecosystem. By creating raster-based analyses using these data, we were able to produce a single figure that had the ability to provide a quantifiable value to each wetland system. This model approach combined the function of multiple pollution control elements present in the wetland. Total percent of area with little resistance to pollution runoff can be compared to other wetlands to produce ranks for management priorities. The data collected throughout this project should allow managers to propose management actions. These management actions will improve impacted wetlands by reversing degradation of water quality in the Rainwater Basin wetland complex.
