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Field Manuals

Ecological Integrity Assessment (EIA)

Ecological Integrity Assessment (EIA) framework forms the basis of CNHP’s Level 2 Rapid Assessment protocol. The EIA Framework was developed by NatureServe and ecologist from several Natural Heritage Programs across the country. Colorado-specific EIA protocols have been developed and refined by CNHP with funding from EPA Region 8 and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The EIA method is an ecologically based condition assessment method that focuses on the biological response to disturbance, but also evaluates underlying processes.

Ecological Integrity Assessment for Colorado Wetlands, Field Manual

The EIA framework evaluates wetland condition using on a multi-metric index based on three major factors. Each factor has associated metrics, which are scored based on quantitative or qualitative criteria.

  • Landscape Context (landscape, buffer)
  • Condition (vegetation, hydrology, soil, water quality)
  • Size
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grasslands to cottonwood to mountain
grasslands to cottonwood to mountain
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See the following links to download the field manual, datasheets, and presentations about applying the EIA method.

  • EIA for Colorado Wetlands Field Manual
  • EIA for Colorado Wetlands Datasheets (Level 2.5)
  • EIA for Colorado Wetlands Scorecard
  • EIA for Colorado Wetlands PowerPoint on Background and Guidance
For information, contact Joanna Lemly.

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Field Manuals
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Related Topics

Wetland Types Overview
Wetland Ecological Systems
Natural Plant Communities
Watershed Toolbox

Web Projects

  • CODEX - Colorado’s Conservation Data Explorer
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  • COMaP - Colorado Protected Lands
  • Colorado Bat Working Group
  • STReaMS - Endangered Fishes Database
  • Colorado Native Plant Database Data Portal

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  • About CWIC
    ▼
    • What Are Wetlands?
    • Why Are Wetlands Important?
    • Colorado Wetland Plan
    • Wetland Partners
  • Wetland Types
    ▼
    • Overview
    • Ecological Systems
    • Natural Plant Communities
    • Field Guides and App
    • Fen Mapping
  • Wetland Condition
    ▼
    • Overview
    • Ecological Condition
    • Habitat Quality
    • Biodiversity Significance
    • Colorado Wetland Assessment Projects
    • National Wetland Condition Assessment
    • BLM Assessment Inventory and Monitoring
  • Working in Wetlands
    ▼
    • Overview
    • Conservation
    • Restoration
    • Regulation
    • Best Management Practices
    • Funding and Technical Support
  • Data & Tools
    ▼
    • Wetlands Mapper
    • Floristic Quality Calculator
    • Landscape Summaries
    • Watershed Toolbox
    • Wetland Plots Database
  • Library
    ▼
    • Wetland Reports
    • Potential Conservation Areas
    • County Survey Reports
    • Field Guides and App
    • Field Manuals
    • Educational Resources
  • CNHP Home
  • About CWIC
    ▼
    • What Are Wetlands?
    • Why Are Wetlands Important?
    • Colorado Wetland Plan
    • Wetland Partners
  • Wetland Types
    ▼
    • Overview
    • Ecological Systems
    • Natural Plant Communities
    • Field Guides and App
    • Fen Mapping
  • Wetland Condition
    ▼
    • Overview
    • Ecological Condition
    • Habitat Quality
    • Biodiversity Significance
    • Colorado Wetland Assessment Projects
    • National Wetland Condition Assessment
    • BLM Assessment Inventory and Monitoring
  • Working in Wetlands
    ▼
    • Overview
    • Conservation
    • Restoration
    • Regulation
    • Best Management Practices
    • Funding and Technical Support
  • Data & Tools
    ▼
    • Wetlands Mapper
    • Floristic Quality Calculator
    • Landscape Summaries
    • Watershed Toolbox
    • Wetland Plots Database
  • Library
    ▼
    • Wetland Reports
    • Potential Conservation Areas
    • County Survey Reports
    • Field Guides and App
    • Field Manuals
    • Educational Resources
  • CNHP Home
  • About CWIC
    ▼
    • What Are Wetlands?
    • Why Are Wetlands Important?
    • Colorado Wetland Plan
    • Wetland Partners
  • Wetland Types
    ▼
    • Overview
    • Ecological Systems
    • Natural Plant Communities
    • Field Guides and App
    • Fen Mapping
  • Wetland Condition
    ▼
    • Overview
    • Ecological Condition
    • Habitat Quality
    • Biodiversity Significance
    • Colorado Wetland Assessment Projects
    • National Wetland Condition Assessment
    • BLM Assessment Inventory and Monitoring
  • Working in Wetlands
    ▼
    • Overview
    • Conservation
    • Restoration
    • Regulation
    • Best Management Practices
    • Funding and Technical Support
  • Data & Tools
    ▼
    • Wetlands Mapper
    • Floristic Quality Calculator
    • Landscape Summaries
    • Watershed Toolbox
    • Wetland Plots Database
  • Library
    ▼
    • Wetland Reports
    • Potential Conservation Areas
    • County Survey Reports
    • Field Guides and App
    • Field Manuals
    • Educational Resources
  • CNHP Home