Welcome to WETMAK (Wetlands Monitoring and Assessment Kit) an online resource for community groups working on wetland restoration projects
Are you making a difference? If so, do you know how well you’re doing? Can you measure your progress? Which aspects of your efforts are thriving, and where should you focus next? If you’re looking for answers to these questions and want to better understand the progress of your wetland restoration project, you’re in the right place.
WETMAK is here to help. This resource provides practical advice on effective monitoring techniques and methods to assess the impact of your restoration work.
The kit is designed to be flexible and user-friendly. You can download the full resource or focus on specific modules that meet your needs. Whether you’re a beginner looking for simple monitoring tools or someone ready to explore more advanced investigation methods, WETMAK has you covered.
Getting started is easy. Download WETMAK, print a few datasheets, grab your gumboots, and head out with your team to start measuring. Gaining a deeper understanding of your restoration efforts not only brings invaluable insights but also lays the foundation for future planning and success.
To dive deeper, explore our instructional videos and detailed background materials for some of the more technical modules. With WETMAK, you’ll have the tools to measure, learn, and make a lasting impact.
WETMAK Training Modules
Helpful resources include: Wetland Restoration. A handbook for New Zealand Freshwater Systems – chapters available for free download here: landcareresearch.co.nz/publications/books/wetlands-handbook
WETMAK Complete Guide
The WETMAK Wetlands Monitoring and Assessment Kit provides a comprehensive guide to monitoring wetlands, including its purpose, required skills and equipment, data collection methods, analysis, and reporting, with examples and appendices for support.
Module 1: Creating a Management Map
Develop an electronic and interactive map for wetland managers and volunteers.
Module 2: Instructional Video
Module 2: Photopoints
Visually record changes to the wetland over time.
Module 4: Mapping wetland vegetation
Monitor broadscale change in vegetation type and cover.
We recommend getting in touch with your local Regional or District Council, or DOC office to find someone that can help with this particular module, if you don’t have the expertise to do it yourself.
Module 3: Link - Plant Identification
Redirects you to the DOC website (new tab), providing support with plant identification for Module 3.
Module 4: Map Developers area finder
How to draw shapes directly on screen to calculate the area of a zone of interest.
Module 3: Wetland ‘wof’ check
Carry out a general wetland health check using broad indicators.
Many people have indicated they would like to learn about wetland plant species before they feel comfortable undertaking either a Perimeter walk or a WOF checklist.
Module 4: Spatial Data
View and access this GOVT spatial data map.
Module 5: Weed Survey
Detect new weeds early and measure the success of weed control works.
Knowing how to use a GPS is a useful skill for this module. Different brands of handheld GPS’s have slightly different operating systems, but the general principles are similar. This information relates to the popular Garmin GPSMAP 60CSx.
Module 6: Vegetation plots
Study in detail plant cover, height, diversity, as well as mix of natives and exotics.
Learn the details on how to set up and take measurements from a vegetation plot. This can be quite tricky, so view the video for more information.
Module 6: Vegetation Plots Video
Explore the intricacies of plant cover, height, diversity, and the blend of native and exotic species. Gain a clear understanding of how to set up and accurately measure a vegetation plot. While the process can be challenging, watching the accompanying video will provide valuable guidance and clarity.
Module 7: Animal Pest Monitoring
Monitor your pest control efforts and compare differences in activity levels over time.
Where to go for help
A detailed list of organisations to support you on your water monitoring journey.
Blank Datasheets and templates
Everything you need to record your important information.