MERI

Abstract: Dr. Francisco Artigas, Director of MERI, will be giving a presentation to the Carlstadt Historical Society centering on the recent history of the lower Hackensack River and the work being done in terms of monitoring its physical and biological attributes as it returns to life after years of neglect and degredation. For more information on this free public event please visit carlstadtnj.us/historical.html or call 201-933-1070.

Abstract: The workshop will present the results of a study funded by the EPA on a method to monitor wetland vegetation type, extent of plant cover and plant vigor using remote sensing images. This method is far less labor intensive and offers more accurate and reliable information which is urgently needed by managers and agencies responsible for coastal wetland integrity and reporting, and its low cost makes it sustainable over long periods of time.

The method utilizes remote sensors and digital images from airplanes and tethered balloons that capture detailed views of wetland vegetation. These images are processed to separate and map wetland plant species and to detect areas under stress. Changes in canopy texture are used as a surrogate for sediment chemical conditions. From the analysis of these images it is possible to know the composition and extent of wetland vegetation and anomalies in the sediments that may be responsible for putting stress on plant communities.

This study verified findings from past research by demonstrating the ability of remote sensors (i.e. hyperspectral, LIDAR and balloon photography) to map plant composition and its extent at a resolution of eight feet to a few inches and revealed new relationships between canopy texture and plant height with prevailing biogeochemical conditions in the sediments. Sediment field measurements were used to calibrate the image models where salinity, oxidation reduction potential and sulfide concentration in the rizoshpere explain most of the variation in plant height and canopy texture.

Abstract: Montclair State University is showing continued interest in developing a GIS for their campus. They are interested in learning more about MERI’s GIS – how it works, the data that we have, applications that are available, GPSing etc. A short presentation will be given regarding operations followed by an open discussion. This presentation will be more technical than the previous and will expand upon knowledge acquired at the first presentation.

Abstract: The Meadowlands Environmental Research Institute will present the results of a comprehensive study that shows a significant increase over the past 15 years in the number and diversity of species of tiny invertebrates (known as benthic organisms) that live on the bottom of the Hackensack River in the Meadowlands. The rebounding populations of these tiny worms and other mud dwellers indicate improved water quality in the river.

The labor-intensive study was conducted in the same places and using the same techniques as a survey conducted in 1987. Recent studies show an increase in the bird and fish populations and improved air quality in the Meadowlands. These results are futher evidence of the river’s restoration and the efforts in revitilizing the river and the surrounding wetlands.

Abstract: Montclair State University is interested in developing a GIS for their campus. They have CAD drawings of all their buildings and a Trimble GeoXT which they plan to use to collect information regarding fire hydrants, light poles etc. The individuals attending the presentation have an understanding of GIS. They are interested in learning about MERI’s GIS – how it works, the data that we have, applications that are available, GPSing etc. A short presentation will be given regarding operations followed by an open discussion.

Abstract: This day-long even features environmentally-oriented activities and educational programs, including ecological tours of Snake Hill, pontoon-boat cruises on the Hackensack River, carnival type attractions and games, a petting zoo, pony rides, food and refreshments and live musical performances! Make sure to stop by the MERI exhibit to participate in the “Soak the Polluter” activity. Free prizes for all winners!

Abstract: Senior Environmental Scientist, Ed Konsevick, will discuss MERI’s interactive web-based data dissemination system at the New Jersey Water Monitoring Council’s June 11th meeting. The technical focus for this meeting will be on Water Quality Data Management.

Abstract: Two of MERI’s GIS Specialists will be making a special presentation to the Borough of Ridgefield regarding the services that the MERI GIS Department offers to each of the 14 municipalities in the Meadowlands District. The presentation will focus on IMS Applications, the Google Earth application, data collection/processing services and staff training amongst others.

Abstract: MERI has been communicating spatially explicit data and information about the Hackensack Meadowlands District in northern New Jersey since 1992. A regional initiative to share GIS resources with and among local governments was approved under the Municipal Assistance Program. One component of the program was to develop the Emergency Reponse Information System (ERIS); a customized GIS tool that integrates critical information from Right-To-Know databases which are easily queried and displayed using mapping services that are available through the Internet and on standalone laptops provided to emergency town officials. The ERIS application is currently deployed on emergency vehicles and on Interactive Mapping Service (IMS) and a Google Earth-based application designed to be accessible from the web.

Abstract: The New Jersey Meadowlands Commission (NJMC) is a regional planning agency in northern New Jersey with jurisdiction over 14 municipalities. This case study describes a five year effort by this agency to serve geographic knowledge to 14 towns in the region by sharing resources and infrastructure through a centralized Geographical Information System (GIS). Serving this information required funding, specialized staff, software licenses and equipment. The information being served consists of interactive maps conveying the spatial arrangement of municipal infrastructure, administrative boundaries and fundamental demographics of each town in maps and tables that show proximity, elevations and distances that would otherwise be impractical to describe using words alone. Systems such as these support local governments by delivering information and services to the community in the form of variance notifications, zoning and land use inventories and updates and emergency management information including Right to Know records (RTK) that inform first responders about stored hazardous materials in industrial facilities. The study details how the target user community was profiled, how data was organized around the needs of the users, the different implementation phases, roll out of the applications, training, maintenance and finally, how the system was adopted and is currently used.