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Sarai Piazza

Sarai Piazza serves as the program manager for the Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS) funded by the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA). 

EDUCATION

M.S., Louisiana State University, 2003 -- Thesis: Nekton use and growth in three brackish marsh pond microhabitats

B.S., Marine Fisheries, Texas A&M University, 1998 

B.S., Marine Biology, Texas A&M University, 1998   

 

Sarai began working at the Wetland and Aquatic Research Center in 2006 with a group of field ecologists interested in monitoring and assessment of coastal restoration projects.  She now serves as the program manager for the Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS) funded by the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA).  CRMS is one of the world's largest wetland monitoring programs with publically available data. Since 2006, nearly 400 CRMS sites have been collecting data throughout Louisiana's coastal zone monitoring aspects of wetland hydrology, vegetation, surface elevation and land area change.  As program manager, Sarai represents USGS as the federal sponsor for CRMS. She is responsible for all aspects of budgeting, contracting, coordination, work planning, supervision and staffing. Program level interactions require regular coordination with the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana and 5 federal partner agencies.  She also acts as a liaison between the CRMS analytical teams and data delivery teams to develop web tools and maintain the CRMS website. 

Science and Products

Filter Total Items: 20

Developing bare-earth digital elevation models from structure-from-motion data on barrier islands

Unoccupied aerial systems can collect aerial imagery that can be used to develop structure-from-motion products with a temporal resolution well-suited to monitoring dynamic barrier island environments. However, topographic data created using photogrammetric techniques such as structure-from-motion represent the surface elevation including the vegetation canopy. Additional processing is required fo
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Louisiana Adaptive Management Status and Improvement Report: Vision and Recommendations

As part of the process to increase implementation of adaptive management for ecosystem-based coastal restoration within Louisiana, we aim for this report to be broadly applicable across planning processes as well as funding and implementing entities. It compiles technical knowledge and guidance summarized as key findings through the text which lead to eight priority recommendations to improve appl
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Using maintenance records from a long-term sensor monitoring network to evaluate the relationship between maintenance schedule and data quality

Sensor-based environmental monitoring networks are beginning to provide the large-scale, long-term data required to address important fundamental and applied questions in ecology. However, the data quality from deployed sensors can be difficult and costly to ensure. In this study, we use maintenance records from the 12-year history of Louisiana’s Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS) to ass
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Monitoring plans for Louisiana’s system-wide assessment and monitoring program (SWAMP). Version IV

The System-Wide Assessment and Monitoring Program (SWAMP) has been envisioned as a long-term monitoring program to ensure a comprehensive network of coastal data collection activities is in place to support the development, implementation, and adaptive management of the coastal protection and restoration program within coastal Louisiana. The Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS) and Barrier
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Floristic quality index and forested floristic quality index: Assessment tools for restoration projects and monitoring sites in coastal Louisiana

The Floristic Quality Index (FQI) has been used in many areas throughout the United State to assess the integrity of plant communities and restoration projects. Here, we summarize two tools that have been developed for monitoring sites in coastal Louisiana wetlands. The FQI was modified for herbaceous data collected in coastal Louisiana monitoring sites. A second FQI, the Forested Floristic Qualit
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Vegetation cover, tidal amplitude and land area predict short-term marsh vulnerability in Coastal Louisiana

The loss of coastal marshes is a topic of great concern, because these habitats provide tangible ecosystem services and are at risk from sea-level rise and human activities. In recent years, significant effort has gone into understanding and modeling the relationships between the biological and physical factors that contribute to marsh stability. Simulation-based process models suggest that marsh
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Research and Development Program, Land Change Science Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Oiling accelerates loss of salt marshes, southeastern Louisiana

The 2010 BP Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill damaged thousands of km2 of intertidal marsh along shorelines that had been experiencing elevated rates of erosion for decades. Yet, the contribution of marsh oiling to landscape-scale degradation and subsequent land loss has been difficult to quantify. Here, we applied advanced remote sensing techniques to map changes in marsh land cover and open wate
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Spectroscopy Lab

Assessing coastal wetland vulnerability to sea-level rise along the northern Gulf of Mexico coast: Gaps and opportunities for developing a coordinated regional sampling network

Coastal wetland responses to sea-level rise are greatly influenced by biogeomorphic processes that affect wetland surface elevation. Small changes in elevation relative to sea level can lead to comparatively large changes in ecosystem structure, function, and stability. The surface elevation table-marker horizon (SET-MH) approach is being used globally to quantify the relative contributions of pro
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Research and Development Program, Land Change Science Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Forested floristic quality index: An assessment tool for forested wetland habitats using the quality and quantity of woody vegetation at Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS) vegetation monitoring stations

The U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana and the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act, developed the Forested Floristic Quality Index (FFQI) for the Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS). The FFQI will help evaluate forested wetland sites on a continuum from severely degraded to healthy and will assist
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Determining the spatial variability of wetland soil bulk density, organic matter, and the conversion factor between organic matter and organic carbon across coastal Louisiana, U.S.A.

Soil bulk density (BD), soil organic matter (SOM) content, and a conversion factor between SOM and soil organic carbon (SOC) are often used in estimating SOC sequestration and storage. Spatial variability in BD, SOM, and the SOM–SOC conversion factor affects the ability to accurately estimate SOC sequestration, storage, and the benefits (e.g., land building area and vertical accretion) associated
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

A landscape-scale assessment of above- and belowground primary production in coastal wetlands: Implications for climate change-induced community shifts

Above- and belowground production in coastal wetlands are important contributors to carbon accumulation and ecosystem sustainability. As sea level rises, we can expect shifts to more salt-tolerant communities, which may alter these ecosystem functions and services. Although the direct influence of salinity on species-level primary production has been documented, we lack an understanding of the lan
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Mapping changing distributions of dominant species in oil-contaminated salt marshes of Louisiana using imaging spectroscopy

The April 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill was the largest coastal spill in U.S. history. Monitoring subsequent change in marsh plant community distributions is critical to assess ecosystem impacts and to establish future coastal management priorities. Strategically deployed airborne imaging spectrometers, like the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS), offer the spectral a
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Geology, Geophysics, and Geochemistry Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Spectroscopy Lab

Non-USGS Publications**

Kanouse, S, M.K. La Peyre, and J.A. Nyman. 2006. Nekton use of Ruppia maritima and non-vegetated bottom habitat types within brackish marsh ponds. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 327:61-69. doi:10.3354/meps327061

**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.

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Data sources for restoration type SMART objectives

Natural Resource Damage and Assessment (NRDA) Program-Louisiana’s Monitoring and Adaptive Management

The USGS is participating in the Louisiana-Trustee Implementation Group Monitoring and Adaptive Management work group to assess the injuries caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and to select the appropriate restoration measures to compensate the public for the injury to coastal and marine resources.
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
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Natural Resource Damage and Assessment (NRDA) Program-Louisiana’s Monitoring and Adaptive Management

The USGS is participating in the Louisiana-Trustee Implementation Group Monitoring and Adaptive Management work group to assess the injuries caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and to select the appropriate restoration measures to compensate the public for the injury to coastal and marine resources.
Learn More
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LA Basin boundaries

Creating a System-Wide Assessment and Monitoring Program (SWAMP) for Coastal Louisiana

USGS researchers will provide technical guidance to inform the development of monitoring plans for the western coast of Louisiana.
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center , Coastal Changes and Impacts
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Creating a System-Wide Assessment and Monitoring Program (SWAMP) for Coastal Louisiana

USGS researchers will provide technical guidance to inform the development of monitoring plans for the western coast of Louisiana.
Learn More
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Coastal wetlands near Port Fourchon, Louisiana, in the northern Gulf of Mexico

Natural Resource Damage and Assessment (NRDA) Program Monitoring and Adaptive Management

State and Federal agencies are working together to assess the damage caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and to determine appropriate restoration actions to restore natural resources, ecological services, and recreational services injured or lost due to the incident.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
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Natural Resource Damage and Assessment (NRDA) Program Monitoring and Adaptive Management

State and Federal agencies are working together to assess the damage caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and to determine appropriate restoration actions to restore natural resources, ecological services, and recreational services injured or lost due to the incident.
Learn More
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USGS

Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS)

CRMS uses a multiple reference approach to biological monitoring and uses aspects of hydrogeomorphic functional assessments and probabilistic sampling that address the limited effectiveness of the traditional paired-reference monitoring approach in Louisiana.This approach includes a suite of sites that encompass the range of ecological conditions for each stratum, with projects placed on a...
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Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS)

CRMS uses a multiple reference approach to biological monitoring and uses aspects of hydrogeomorphic functional assessments and probabilistic sampling that address the limited effectiveness of the traditional paired-reference monitoring approach in Louisiana.This approach includes a suite of sites that encompass the range of ecological conditions for each stratum, with projects placed on a...
Learn More
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The CRMS design includes a suite of sites that encompass a range of ecological conditions across the coast

Louisiana’s Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS)

The Coastwise Reference Monitoring System was designed to monitor the effectiveness of restoration actions at individual sites, as well as across the entire Louisiana coast.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
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Louisiana’s Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS)

The Coastwise Reference Monitoring System was designed to monitor the effectiveness of restoration actions at individual sites, as well as across the entire Louisiana coast.
Learn More
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2013 Wetland Type Map - Coastal Louisiana

Influence of Sea-Level Rise on Wetland Vegetation Community Structure, Primary Productivity, Organic Matter Decomposition and Carbon Storage

This study will employ a space for time substitution to show long-term effects of rising sea-level and increasing salinity on vegetation community structure, primary production and decomposition. Productivity and decomposition rates will be estimated for four wetland plant community types defined by salinity zones and dominant plant species.
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
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Influence of Sea-Level Rise on Wetland Vegetation Community Structure, Primary Productivity, Organic Matter Decomposition and Carbon Storage

This study will employ a space for time substitution to show long-term effects of rising sea-level and increasing salinity on vegetation community structure, primary production and decomposition. Productivity and decomposition rates will be estimated for four wetland plant community types defined by salinity zones and dominant plant species.
Learn More

Developing bare-earth digital elevation models from structure-from-motion data on barrier islands, Dauphin Island, AL, 2018-2019

This U.S. Geological Survey data release includes bare-earth digital elevation models (DEMs) that were produced by removing elevation bias in vegetated areas from structure-from-motion (SfM) data products for two sites on Dauphin Island, Alabama. These data were collected in the late fall of 2018 and spring of 2019. In addition to the bare-earth DEMs, this data release also includes vegetation mas
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Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Barrier island vegetation and elevation survey, Dauphin Island, AL, 2018-19

Vegetation and elevation survey data were collected in 4-square-meter quadrats via Real-Time Kinematic GPS from September 9, 2018 to April 17, 2019 on Dauphin Island, AL. Vegetation data included total percent herbaceous cover, percent cover by plant species, and mean height of vegetation within the quadrat. The percent cover by species was used to determine the dominant species for the plot.
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Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Louisiana's Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS) elevation data

Wetland restoration efforts conducted by the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act (CWPPRA) in Louisiana rely on monitoring efforts to determine the efficacy of these efforts. The Coastwide Reference Monitoring System (CRMS) was developed to assist in a multiple-reference approach that uses aspects of hydrogeomorphic functional assessments and probabilistic sampling for monitor
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Geomorphic and ecological effects of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita on coastal Louisiana marsh communities

Hurricanes Katrina and Rita made landfall in 2005, subjecting the coastal marsh communities of Louisiana to various degrees of exposure. We collected data after the storms at 30 sites within fresh (12), brackish/intermediate (12), and saline (6) marshes to document the effects of saltwater storm surge and sedimentation on marsh community dynamics. The 30 sites were comprised of 15 pairs. Most pair
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Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Primary production across a coastal wetland landscape in Louisiana, U.S.A. (2012-2014)

Above- and belowground production in coastal wetlands are important contributors to carbon accumulation and ecosystem sustainability. As sea level rises, we can expect shifts to more salt-tolerant communities, which may alter these ecosystem functions and services. Although the direct influence of salinity on species-level primary production has been documented, we lack an understanding of the lan
By
Wetland and Aquatic Research Center

Assessing coastal wetland vulnerability to sea-level rise along the northern Gulf of Mexico coast: gaps and opportunities for developing a coordinated regional sampling network

The study area included the coasts of all five U.S. states along the northern Gulf of Mexico (i.e., Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas). We contacted federal, state, and university-affiliated scientists working with SET-MH data within this area to obtain the geographic coordinates and the installation year for each SET-MH station. Please note that while our inventory is extensive
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Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
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Friday's Findings - July 23 2021

Supersized: Coastwide Scale Wetland Monitoring to Support Large Scale Restoration in America’s Delta

Date: July 23, 2021 from 2-2:30 p.m. eastern time

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