Koontz, J., D.G. Huggins, C.C. Freeman, D.S. Baker - Central Plains ...

MMI Scores
Palustrine Wetland Class MMI Scores
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
a
Lacustrine Palustrine
Wetland Class
Riverine
c
1 2
Wetland Class
Lacustrine Wetland Class MMI Scores
Figure 54. Median Box plots showing the distribution of MMI values among wetland classes
and statistically significant differences within classes between Phase I and II. Box area
represents inner quartile range, while “whiskers” represent the upper and lower observations.
MMI Result Conclusions
Tests of MMI‟s response to measures of floodplain connectivity including the DTF, distance
from the Missouri River Channel, and measured distance between the sample wetlands did not
reveal any significant relationships between the MMI and measures of connectivity. The MMI‟s
significant correlation to the mean conductivity mS/cm measure was the only indirect evidence
that hydrological connectivity might be affecting wetland macroinvertebrate community
structure, given that mean conductivity also had significant relationships to the DTF and distance
from the Missouri River channel measure. Despite this the MMI did show consistent
congruency with the other wetland assessment indices and water chemistry metrics, providing
evidence that the Phase I reference sample population overall had greater wetland quality. The
strongest feature of this MMI is that does not significantly respond to potential ecoregion, class,
or type differences, yet it can discriminate reference candidates from the random population
regardless of the spatial location of the wetland or classification. The combination of highly
responsive individual macroinvertebrate metrics to multiple stressors contributes to a robust
measure of biological integrity across a variety of wetland types and classes within this study
population.
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
74 of 84
b
1 2
Wetland Class