Performance of rapid floristic quality assessment indices for increasing cost-effectiveness of wetland condition evaluation

Dominance based indices (Mean C and FQI) significantly correlated with Mean C and FQI using all species, but Mean C was more strongly correlated than FQI. Mean C of cover-dominant species correlated with the Ohio Rapid Assessment Method, but could only distinguish the lowest and highest North Carolina Wetland Assessment Method ratings. Removal of graminoids as a group, which are difficult to identify, did not appear to affect Mean C, even in herbaceous wetlands, though some wetlands were comprised of only graminoids; a dominance based index would still be useful in graminoid marshes. The availability of this cost-saving assessment tool will benefit researchers and practitioners looking for more expedient ways of assessing wetland quality or validating rapid assessments with direct measurements.