2.2.1. Wetland Metrics

We visually searched the perimeter of each wetland for evidence of temporary or permanent inlets, outlets, and/or connections with other water bodies. Distance from each wetland to the nearest delineated stream centerline was calculated using the "measure" tool in ArcGIS 10.1. We determined length and width of each wetland based on the surface water in cases where no evidence of drying had occurred (i.e., the permanent footprint of the wetland was filled with water) or based on the permanent footprint of the wetland if substantial drying had occurred using an open reel measuring tape (Keson Industries, Aurora, IL, USA). These measurements were used to calculate an approximation of maximum wetland area. We measured the maximum depth of each wetland at its deepest point using a metal measuring tape (Stanley Tools Product Group, New Britain, CT, USA). The deepest point of each wetland was determined by visually assessing each wetland to determine the general area(s) with the greatest depth (i.e., the deepest point), then we measured between 5 and 10 points in the

targeted area(s) of the wetland, depending on the wetland size and depth variability, and recorded the maximum depth measured. We also identified areas that appeared to have the most representative water depth for each wetland. We measured the depth at 5–10 points in the targeted area(s) of the wetland and recorded mean representative depth. Hydrological status (e.g., standing water, dry) of each wetland was noted during each site visit and used to categorize wetlands as either ephemeral or permanent.

We estimated percent canopy cover over and around the perimeter of the wetland using a GRS vertical tube densitometer (Geographic Resource Solutions, Arcata, CA, USA; [39,40]) because canopy cover can influence a variety of local environmental parameters including water temperature, dissolved oxygen, and light availability, and by extension, wetland drying/evaporation rates, developmental rates of ectothermic organisms, food resource availability, and nutrient dynamics [41–43]. Over-wetland canopy cover was estimated based on the percentage of data points containing canopy along a transect that bisected the longest axis of the pool. Perimeter canopy cover was estimated based on the percentage of data points containing canopy along a perimeter ring located 5 m from the edge of the wetland. Canopy cover data were collected every 3 m along the bisecting transect and perimeter ring surrounding the wetland, when possible, based on wetland size. When wetland size prohibited the collection of an adequate number of data points based on the 3 m collection criteria, over-wetland canopy cover data were collected at a minimum of four points along the bisecting transect.
