To assess the nutrient removal function of wetland restoration, enhancement, and creation projects being implemented as part of the H2Ohio Initiative, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has established an independent monitoring program implemented by teams from six Ohio universities. The H2Ohio Wetland Monitoring Program takes advantage of a unique opportunity to investigate nutrient cycling in diverse wetland projects under a unified framework. We are developing tools for nutrient budgeting and indicators of wetland nutrient function using a tiered sampling approach. Indices of soil and water nutrient status and wetland hydrology are measured in all monitored wetland projects, while we collect more intensive, high-resolution data for comprehensive nutrient budgeting in selected, representative “Focal Projects.” This tiered approach balances evaluation of broad, state-wide restoration program trends and robust, mechanistic understanding to inform management. The H2Ohio Wetland Monitoring Program has now produced baseline data from monitoring surface water nutrient concentrations, soil nutrient status, and basic hydrology in approximately 30 projects, including 6 coastal reconnection projects. A centralized data management system ensures data quality, long term storage, accessibility, and shareability in accordance with open science best practices. This talk will provide an overview of the H2Ohio Wetland Monitoring Program’s approach, preliminary results, and future plans to leverage monitoring for improved management of coastal wetlands for nutrient retention and removal.
