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The following list outlines the basic steps and tasks completed when producing the two-volume best available science document, which summarizes the best available science for freshwater wetlands and protection measures based on the science. Note: Freshwater tidal wetlands were not included in the review, and we did not cover forest practices.
We obtained the bibliographic lists from a number of wetland experts
such as Paul Adamus, Mary Kentula, and Rich Horner.
We developed a list of key words to use when completing searches of
databases.
We completed three searches of the databases using keywords. For the
last two searches, we used key words generated during meetings with
local government staff. We asked them what scientific topics they were
interested in given the wetland issues they deal with (see more under
#3
"Held Focus Groups" below).
Our searches of the databases resulted in thousands of "hits." We
reviewed the lists obtained from individual experts and databases to
identify articles to obtain.
During public review of the draft of Volume 1, we asked peer reviewers
to help us identify literature to fill data gaps. Several reviewers
provided suggestions (see more under “Obtaining Articles”).
We obtained some articles from in-house collections of the individual
wetland experts and the state library. We also hired temporary staff
to collect articles through the library at the University of
Washington.
We screened and obtained the additional literature
sources suggested by people who commented on the draft of Volume 1.
Ecology and Sheldon &
Associates conducted two focus groups to identify the needs of local
government regarding the best science available on freshwater
wetlands.
We held the first focus
group in Moses Lake on January 15, 2002. 17 local government staff
attended.
We held the second
focus group in Lacey on January 22, 2002. 35 local government staff
attended.
We presented
information about the project and the process. We asked participants
to answer the following questions. Participants identified additional
key words to use for searches of the databases.
We developed a note-taking system for use when reading articles.
Notes were taken in Word and incorporated into ProCite, a
software program that manages references.
We read and took notes on numerous articles as well as thesis
dissertations collected from the University of Washington Library.
We dispersed reading duties among several people.
We developed a process to identify the gaps in the literature we
collected.
We categorized each article as to the type and characteristics of
scientific information as listed in WAC 365-195-905 (best
available science WAC). Examples include research, monitoring,
assessment and synthesis.
We reviewed the additional literature sources
suggested by people who commented on the draft of Volume 1.
Seven members of our Core Team wrote parts of the draft for Volume 1,
the synthesis of the science on freshwater wetlands in Washington. The
Core Team includes staff from Ecology, Washington Department of Fish
and Wildlife, Environmental Protection Agency, and Sheldon &
Associates. Sheldon & Associates was hired to complete tasks
associated with production of both BAS volumes.
Authors used ProCite (a reference management database) to search our
database using key words to identify articles that apply to various
sections of the document. They used the abstracts and notes in the
database, as well as the original articles, to summarize the
information.
Several hundred literature sources were included in the reference list
in the draft of Volume 1 published last summer.
We identified experts to recruit to review specific sections of Volume
1, such as buffers, amphibians, and water quality. Anyone else with an
interest in reviewing Volume 1 was invited to do so as well.
We sent an email/postal letter to 60+ experts in various subjects
asking for their participation in the review process. We also asked
them to identify other experts that should be approached. Our intent
is to make sure we have good technical review from different
scientific disciplines, since peer review is a key aspect of BAS.
An email was sent to hundreds of individuals informing them of the
availability of a draft of Volume 1 for peer review. We sent draft
copies of Volume 1 in hard copy and on CD to 100+ reviewers. The draft
of Volume 1 was made available on this website. [Click
here to download the draft of Volume 1]
The
comment period for the draft of Volume 1 closed on October 22, 2003.
During the month-long review period, Ecology received comments from 31
individuals and organizations regarding Volume 1.
The Core Team responded to the comments on the
draft of Volume 1, incorporated the reviewers’ suggestions into the
text where appropriate, and obtained additional literature sources.
A summary of the key comments, reviewers’
responses to our Volume 1 questionnaire, and the original comments in
their entirety were prepared and posted on the project website.
The
Responses to Comments, which is a compilation of all comments
received and the responses to those comments, have been finalized and
are posted on the web with the final version of Volume 1. [Click
here to download the Responses to Comments (Publication
#05-06-007)]
Wetlands
in Washington State - Volume 1: A Synthesis of the Science
has been finalized and can be downloaded from the project website.
[Click here to download the final version
of Volume 1 (Publication #05-06-006)]
An email was sent to hundreds of individuals informing them of the
availability of the final version.
Concurrent with working on a final version of Volume 1, we started work on Volume 2, which contains options and
recommendations for protecting and managing wetlands based on the
synthesis of the science presented in Volume 1. The document is
geared primarily toward local governments and for use in revising
local Critical Area Ordinances.
A Local Government Wetlands Advisory Team (LGWAT) was formed to provide
feedback while Volume 2 was being developing. We met in small groups
with stakeholders such as the business and environmental communities.
An email was sent to hundreds of individuals informing them of the
availability of a draft of Volume 2 for peer review in August 2004. We sent draft
copies of Volume 2 in hard copy and on CD to approximately 100 reviewers. The draft of
Volume 2 was made available on this website and greater than 150
people downloaded the document during the review period
[Click here to download the draft of
Volume 2].
The
comment period for the draft of Volume 2 closed on September 20,
2004. During the review period, Ecology received a number of
comments from individuals and organizations. The project team
wrote responses to comments and incorporated reviewers’ suggestions
where appropriate.
The
project team wrote responses to comments and
incorporated reviewers’ suggestions where appropriate.
The
Responses to Comments, which is a compilation of all comments
received and the responses to those comments, have been finalized and
are posted on the web with the final version of Volume 2. [Click
here to download the Responses to Comments (Publication
#05-06-009)]
Wetlands
in Washington State - Volume 2: Guidance for Protecting and
Managing Wetlands
has been finalized and can be downloaded from the project website.
[Click here to download the final version
of Volume 2 (Publication #05-06-008)]
12. Distributed Final Draft of Volume Two
An email was sent to hundreds of individuals informing them
of the availability of the final version.
We offered several classes on both volumes through the
Coastal
Training Program.
Copyright © Washington State Department of Ecology. See http://www.ecy.wa.gov/copyright.html.
