Applied Use of Alternate Stable State Modeling in Restoration Ecology

Study Description

We used multistate transition models of the Everglades ridge and slough landscape to test the application of stable state theory, estimating environmental parameters associated with state changes to develop a quantitative method to measure resilience and stability. The multistate model indicates specific long-term, local hydrology (15-year mean maximums and amplitudes) and edaphic factors that control the local-scale shifts between ridge and slough states. We show that multistate models can provide hydrologic envelopes for managers, produce a tool to help assess future water management scenarios, and address issues of sustainability, resilience, and restoration for any bistable system.

Photo 1

A field of Utricularia foliosa flowers, a carnivorous submerged aquatic plant, in the ridge and slough system in Water Conservation Area 3A South (Florida, USA). Photo credit: Christa Zweig.

Photo 2

Airboat driving through the Everglades ridge and slough system in Water Conservation Area 3A South. Photo credit: Christa Zweig.

Photo 3

An aerial photograph of the ridge and slough system in Water Conservation Area 3A South. Linear ridges (dark green) and sloughs (light tan) were formed by slow flow over thousands of years. Photo credit: Christa Zweig.

These photographs illustrate the article “Applied use of alternate stable state modeling in restoration ecology” by Christa L. Zweig, Sue Newman, and Colin J. Saunders published in Ecological Applications. https://doi.org/10.1002/eap.2195.