To protect and improve local wetlands, Dakota County coordinates the Wetland Health Evaluation Program (WHEP). Through the program, volunteers are trained and work as part of a community-based team to collect data on wetland plants and macroinvertebrates, providing valuable information to local governments and decision makers.
WHEP uses sampling methods and evaluation metrics developed by the MN Pollution Control Agency to evaluate wetland health. The vegetation and macroinvertebrate analyses metrics are based on species diversity and species richness. Citizen teams, led by a trained team leader who has education and/or work experience in natural resources, conduct the sampling.
The wetland sampling efforts began in 1997 in Dakota County. Up to 11 cities/citizen teams have participated in the project. Hennepin County joined the project in 2001, and began co-managing with Dakota County in 2002. Dakota County cities taking part in the program are Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Farmington, Hastings, Lakeville, Mendota Heights, Rosemount, and South St. Paul.
Each participating team collects data on up to four wetlands in their community. Site names with sampling data and recent annual summary reports are documented at
http://www.mnwhep.org/.
Join a team of other interested citizens who are concerned about wetlands in your area. No experience is necessary. Training is provided. For more information, contact the Water Resources Department or
www.mnwhep.org.