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The WBI Science Agenda

Through collaborative research, the WBI Science Agenda aims to answer four core questions:

1. Where are buffers most needed across the diverse land use types and landscapes of Wisconsin?
2. What types of buffers are needed in these specific locations?
3. What are the consequences when buffers are installed in these specific locations?
4. What will be needed to get these buffers into these specific locations?

WBI Scientific Challenges

The WBI scientific challenges stemming from the above goals include:

1. Logistical constraints prevent conducting research across the diversity of Wisconsin landscapes, and therefore models are needed.
2. These models must be created to allow integration of physical, biological and social parameters at different scales.
3. Output of models must be easy to use and understand (e.g., practical tools) by all involved.

Meeting the Challenges

1. Establish priority stream reaches based on invertebrate biotic indexes and other water quality parameters (i.e., restoration or protection criteria).
2. Use GIS technology to identify portions of the landscape surrounding priority stream reaches where buffers could have an impact.
3. Use models (e.g., PALMS) to specify buffer design and composition.

Research Teams

Learn more about the teams involved in the WBI scientific process and their specific research:

• Norman Research Group
• SNAP-Plus Phosphorus Index
• Ventura/ Vander Zanden Research Group
• Karthikeyan Research Group