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David L. O'Brien
Director, Wetland Advisory Program
M.S. Marine Biology, The University of North Carolina at Wilmington
BS Forest Products, The Pennsylvania State University
Email
dobrien@vims.edu
Office
Wetlands 103
Phone
(804) 684-7828
Research and Policy Interests
My current research focuses on identifying indicators of ecological condition for tidal wetland ecosystems of the Mid-Atlantic. I am working to develop a multi-tiered assessment method that incorporates remotely sensed and field-collected data. I am also interested in how changes in land use within a watershed can affect tidal wetland functions and ecosystem services. My other interests include the effects of sea level rise on tidal wetland plant communities, environmental valuation for use in wetland compensation, and the promotion of wetland science through outreach education to enhance public awareness and affect policy and law.
Current Projects
Development of a multi-tiered assessment method utilizing remotely sensed data and field survey techniques to identify indicators of condition for tidal wetlands of the Mid-Atlantic.
Publications
Rheinhardt, R.D., M. Mckenney-Easterling, M.M. Brinson, J. Masina-Rubbo, R. Brooks, D.F. Whigham, D. O’Brien, J.T. Hite, and B.K. Armstrong. 2007. Canopy composition and forest structure provide restoration targets for low-order riparian ecosystems. Restoration Ecology, OnlineEarly article published December 7, 2007.
O'Brien, D.L., A. Jacobs, A., M.R. Berman, M.R., T. Rudnicky, T., E. McLaughlin, E., A. Howard, A. 2007. Refinement and validation of a multi-level assessment method for Mid-Atlantic tidal wetlands. Center for Coastal Resources Management, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary. Final report: Wetland Program Development Grant (EPA #CD-973494-01), US Environmental Protection Agency, Region 3, Philadelphia, PA.
O'Brien, D.L., Rudnicky, T., Berman, M.R., Hershner, C.H., and K. Havens, 2006. Development of a tidal Wetlands Inventory and Assessment for York River, Virginia Watershed, Center for Coastal Resources Management, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary. Final report: Wetland Program Development Grant #CD-973079-01, US Environmental Protection Agency, Region 3, Philadelphia, PA.
Havens,K.J., D. O'Brien, D. Stanhope, K. Angstadt, T. Rudnicky, D. Schatt, G. Silberhorn, and C. Hershner. 2004. Draft Woody Depression HGM Model for the Coastal Plain of Virginia. Final Report to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Havens, K.J., D.L. O'Brien, D. Stanhope, R. Thomas, G. Silberhorn. 2003. Initiating development of forested depressional wetland HGM model for wetland management in Virginia. Final Report to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Barnard, Jr. T.A., P. Clancy, K. During, K. Havens, C. Hershner, P. Mason, D. O'Brien, W. Priest, W. Roberts, L. Varnell, and D. Weiss. 2001. VIMS shoreline permit database impacts and alterations summary 1993-2000. Wetlands Program Technical Report Series No.01-4.16pp.
O'Brien, D.L. and D.W. Freshwater. 1999. Genetic diversity within tall form Spartina alterniflora Loisel. along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of the United States. Wetlands 19:352-358.
Professional Summary
Elizabeth River Steering Committee, 2007-present.
Lynnhaven River Restoration Committee, 2006-present.
Mid-Atlantic Hydric Soils Technical Committee, 2005-present.
Scientific Technical Advisory Committee of the Chesapeake Bay Program, 2002-present; Virginia Gubernatorial appointee alternate.
Virginia Nontidal Wetlands Technical Advisory Committee, 2004
Craney Island Mitigation Subcommittee, 2004
Affiliations
Society of Wetlands Scientists , Professional Wetland Scientist #1308
Virginia Association of Wetland Professionals, past President 2004-2005 |
