The Application of a Wetland Resiliency Index in Subwatersheds with Surface Elevation Table (SET) Stations from North Carolina to Florida

Nisse Goldberg*

*Jacksonville University, Department of Biology and Marine Science, 2800 University Blvd. North, Jacksonville, FL 32211.

Southeastern Naturalist, Volume 25, Issue 3 (2026): 355–370

First published early online: 12 August 2026

Abstract
Surface elevation table (SET)-derived rates of wetland elevation, relative sea level rise (RSLR), climate, and environmental stress metrics are all valuable for assessing wetland resiliency. I applied an existing framework developed to evaluate marsh migration and wetland resiliency across 3 metric categories (current condition, adaptive capacity, and vulnerability) to determine if subwatersheds with SET stations from North Carolina to Florida were representative of their state and region. I also compared environmental justice index metrics that describe stressors relevant to wetland health among states. Most subwatersheds were representative of their state and region. Wetlands were not keeping up with RSLR where SET stations were located throughout the region. With the incorporation of wetland-elevation changes with RSLR and stressors, resource managers can better plan for future wetland migrations, transitions, and losses.

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