Constraints on Aquatic Vegetation and Restoration Potential of Aquatic Vegetation
Aquatic vegetation is a foundational element of life in aquatic systems, providing food and habitat for several species, and aquatic vegetation restoration is a high priority for Mississippi River managers. Understanding why plants grow in certain places, but not others is important for successful restoration efforts. This study evaluated the constraints on aquatic vegetation growth by using computer models to understand where different types of plants are found in the Mississippi River. The scientists created an interactive web tool to map the plants along the river, classify areas where vegetation is vulnerable to loss, and locations having the greatest restoration potential.
Successful river restoration depends on understanding the constraints on aquatic vegetation growth. This means that scientists investigated why plants are found in some places but not others. These data are important because plants have a significant ecological impact on their environment, including water purification and as habitat for organisms.
Scientists with the USGS and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources used water depth, clarity, and other variables to develop comprehensive maps identifying where vegetation should or should not be in the Upper Mississippi River. The maps show the current aquatic vegetation status, and the models developed by scientists were then used to predict where plants should be in the Upper Mississippi River. These data are now used by managers to identify potentially suitable areas for aquatic vegetation, thus helping restoration practitioners determine where to focus their management efforts.
Aquatic vegetation is a foundational element of life in aquatic systems, providing food and habitat for several species, and aquatic vegetation restoration is a high priority for Mississippi River managers. Understanding why plants grow in certain places, but not others is important for successful restoration efforts. This study evaluated the constraints on aquatic vegetation growth by using computer models to understand where different types of plants are found in the Mississippi River. The scientists created an interactive web tool to map the plants along the river, classify areas where vegetation is vulnerable to loss, and locations having the greatest restoration potential.
Successful river restoration depends on understanding the constraints on aquatic vegetation growth. This means that scientists investigated why plants are found in some places but not others. These data are important because plants have a significant ecological impact on their environment, including water purification and as habitat for organisms.
Scientists with the USGS and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources used water depth, clarity, and other variables to develop comprehensive maps identifying where vegetation should or should not be in the Upper Mississippi River. The maps show the current aquatic vegetation status, and the models developed by scientists were then used to predict where plants should be in the Upper Mississippi River. These data are now used by managers to identify potentially suitable areas for aquatic vegetation, thus helping restoration practitioners determine where to focus their management efforts.