Geographer
U.S. Geological Survey–Great Lakes Science Center
1451 Green Road
Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA 48105
Phone: (734) 214-9308
Fax: (734) 994-8780
Email: kkowalski@usgs.gov

Application of geospatial technologies to wetland research, restoration, and management in the Great Lakes basin.

Geographer, Coastal and Wetland Ecology Branch, 3/97 – present, U.S.G.S. – Great Lakes Science Center, Ann Arbor, MI

Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Plants), Coastal and Wetland Ecology Branch, 1/95 – 1/97, U.S.G.S. – Great Lakes Science Center, Ann Arbor, MI

Research Assistant, 5/94 – 9/94, Ohio Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Ohio State University, National Biological Survey, Ann Arbor, MI

Work–Study Student, 9/94 – 12/94, 9/93 – 5/94, National Biological Survey, Great Lakes Science Center, Ann Arbor, MI

Ph.D. (Aquatic Ecology), University of Michigan, School of Natural Resources and Environment, anticipated completion 2007

M.S. (Geography with concentration on Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing), Eastern Michigan University, 2000

B.S. (Natural Resources Policy and Behavior), University of Michigan, School of Natural Resources and Environment, 1994

President, North Central Chapter, Society of Wetland Scientists, 2004 - Present

President-Elect, North Central Chapter, Society of Wetland Scientists, 2001 – 2004

Professional Wetland Scientist Certification, Society of Wetland Scientists, 2001 – Present

Member, Society of Wetland Scientists, 1994 – Present

Member, American Society of Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing, 1994 – Present

Member, Gamma Theta Upsilon, International Geographical Honor Society, 1998 – Present

Chair, Great Lakes Information Network Advisory Board, Great Lakes Commission, 2002 – Present

Member, GIS Online Project Advisory Board, Great Lakes Commission, 1997 – Present

Member, Great Lakes Information Network Advisory Board, Great Lakes Commission, 1999 – Present

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem Team GIS/DSS Group, 1998 – Present

*Wilcox, D. A., M. J. Sweat, M. L. Carlson, and K. P. Kowalski. 2004. A water-budget approach to restoring a sedge fen affected by diking and ditching. Journal of Hydrology (in press)

Kowalski, K. P., D. A. Wilcox, and M. J. Wiley. 2005. Coastal wetland habitat restoration and exploration. Progress Report 3 for the USEPA Great Lakes National Program Office, Project #GL2003-304. 9 p

Kowalski, K. P., D. A. Wilcox, and M. J. Wiley. 2004. Coastal wetland habitat restoration and exploration. Progress Report 2 for the USEPA Great Lakes National Program Office, Project #GL2003-304. 34 p

Kowalski, K. P., D. A. Wilcox, and M. J. Wiley. 2004. Coastal wetland habitat restoration and exploration. Progress Report 1 for the USEPA Great Lakes National Program Office, Project #GL2003-304. 9 p

Wilcox, D. A., K. P. Kowalski, H. Roten, and M. L. Carlson. 2004. Relationships between Lake Ontario water levels and wetlands. Year 3 Report for the Wetland Habitat Quantity Performance Indicator Study. International Joint Commission. 47 p + appendices

Wilcox, D. A., K. P. Kowalski, and M. L. Carlson. 2004. Evaluation of invasive species control techniques at Crane Creek wetland, western Lake Erie. Progress Report for 2003 USFWS Coastal Program Grant. 22 p

*Kowalski, K. and D. Wilcox. 2003. Differences in sedge fen vegetation upstream and downstream from a managed impoundment. The American Midland Naturalist 150(2):199-220

Wilcox, D. A., K. P. Kowalski, H. Roten, and M. L. Carlson. 2003. Relationships between Lake Ontario water levels and wetlands. Year 2 Report for the Wetland Habitat Quantity Performance Indicator Study. International Joint Commission. 87 p + appendices

Kowalski, K. P., M. L. Lindsley-Smith, and J. K. Crowley. 2003. Mapping sensitive habitats on Great Lakes islands with multispectral satellite imagery. A project completion report to the USGS Eastern Region Director’s office. 75 p

Kowalski, K. P. and D. A. Wilcox. 2002. Alternative management strategies for diked marshes, summary results: 1994-2002, studies of Metzger Marsh plant communities. A report to the Metzger Marsh managers and research team. 136 p

Wilcox, D. A., K. P. Kowalski, and H. Roten. 2002. Relationships between Lake Onatrio water levels and wetlands. Year 1 Report for the Wetland Habitat Quantity Performance Indicator Study. International Joint Commission. 4 p + appendices

Kowalski, K. P. 2001. Geographer at work. The Geographical Bulletin 43(2):79-82

Kowalski, K. P. and D. A. Wilcox. 2001. Application of aerial photographs, GIS, and GPS during the restoration of a former barrier-beach wetland in Lake Erie in Proceedings of the 2nd Biennial Coastal GeoTools Conference, Charleston, SC, January 8-11, 2001. NOAA/CSC/20114-CD. CD-ROM. Charleston, SC: NOAA Coastal Services Center

Kowalski, K. P. and D. A. Wilcox. 2001. Alternative management strategies for diked marshes, summary results: 1994-2001 studies of Metzger Marsh plant communities. A report to the Metzger Marsh managers and research team. 122 p

Kowalski, K. P., M. L. Lindsley-Smith, and J. K. Crowley. 2001. Mapping sensitive habitats on Great Lakes islands with multispectral satellite imagery. A project outcome report the USGS Eastern Region Director’s Office for the Partnership Integrated Science Funds Program. 14 p

Kowalski, K. P. and D. A. Wilcox. 2000. Use of photo interpretation and GIS to develop a new approach to restoration and management of a Lake Erie coastal wetland. p. 26. In L. R. Handley, F. J. D’Erchia, and T. M. Charron (eds). Applications of Geospatial Technology to Biological Sciences. Extended Abstracts from BioGeo99. U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Information and Technology Report USGS/BRD/ITR-2000-0008

Kowalski, K. P. 2000. A geospatial solution to problems with siting wetland vegetation sampling transects near a sinuous creek in Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Michigan. p. 11. In L. R. Handley, F. J. D’Erchia, and T. M. Charron (eds). Applications of Geospatial Technology to Biological Sciences. Extended Abstracts from BioGeo99. U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Information and Technology Report USGS/BRD/ITR-2000-0008

Kowalski, K. P. 2000. Analysis of wetland plant communities and environmental conditions: a wetland restoration project in Seney National Wildlife Refuge. Master of Science Thesis, Eastern Michigan University. 84 p

*Kowalski, K. P. and D. A. Wilcox. 1999. Use of historical and geospatial data to guide the restoration of a Lake Erie coastal marsh. Wetlands 19(4):858-868

Wilcox, D. A. and K. P. Kowalski. 1998. Hydrology research guides restoration of drained peatland. U. S. Department of Interior People, Land, and Water 5(8):13

Wilcox, D. A., K. P. Kowalski, S. J. Nichols, and J. R. P. French III. 1998. Coastal wetland restoration: the Metzger Marsh dike. U. S. Department of Interior People, Land, and Water 5(8):13

Wilcox, D. A. and K. P. Kowalski. 1996. Alternative management strategies for diked marshes, summary results of 1996 studies of Metzger Marsh plant communities. A report to U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. 2 p

Wilcox, D. A. and K. P. Kowalski. 1995. Alternative management strategies for diked marshes, studies of Metzger Marsh plant communities. A report to U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. 4 p

Kowalski, K. P., D. A. Wilcox, and M. J. Wiley. 2005. Experiences using a portable cofferdam in a Great Lakes coastal wetland habitat rehabilitation project. International Association of Great Lakes Research 48th Annual Conference, Ann Arbor, MI

Kowalski, K. P., D. A. Wilcox, and M. J. Wiley. 2005. Integrating scientific research and management of diked wetlands at Crane Creek, a Great Lakes coastal wetland. 2005 Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Charleston, SC

Wilcox, D. A., Y. Xie, K. P. Kowalski, J. Ingram, and M. L. Carlson. 2004. Modeling wetland response to proposed changes in hydrologic regulation of a large reservoir – Lake Ontario. 2004 Geological Society of America Annual Meeting and Exposition, Denver, CO

Xie, Y., K. Kowalski*, and D. Wilcox. 2004. GIS topographic modeling to predict wetland plant associations resulting from proposed Lake Ontario water-level-regulation plans. 2004 Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA

Wilcox, D. A., M. J. Sweat, and K. P. Kowalski. 2003. A water-budget approach to hydrologic restoration of a sedge fen. 2003 Geological Society of America Annual Meeting and Exposition, Seattle, WA

Kowalski, K. P., D. A. Wilcox, H. L. Roten, and M. L. Carlson. 2003. Evaluation of coastal wetland plant community responses to regulated Lake Ontario water levels using aerial photographs and GIS. 2003 Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA

Kowalski, K. P., S. S. Morrison, J. E. McKenna, D. R. Passino-Reader, and C. Castiglione. 2003. Great Lakes coastal aquatic GAP analysis. Michigan Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, East Lansing, MI

McKenna, J. E., Jr., S. Morrison, D. McDonald, C. Castiglione, and K. Kowalski. 2003. Great Lakes coastal aquatic GAP analysis: habitat classification and application. National GAP Meeting, Fort Collins, CO

Morrison, S. S., J. E. McKenna, Jr., K. P. Kowalski, and C. Castiglione. 2003. Great Lakes coastal aquatic GAP analysis: preserving biodiversity in the Great Lakes basin. Research, Assessment, and Data Needs To Promote Protection of Great Lakes Nearshore Fisheries Habitat Workshop, Great Lakes Fishery Trust, Michigan Natural Features Inventory, and MSU Extension, Muskegon, MI

Myers, D., J. Stewart, S. Aichele, D. Passino-Reader, J. McKenna, K. Kowalski, D. Schloesser, and C. Castiglione. 2003. Great Lakes aquatic GAP analysis program. Annual Meeting, Michigan Chapter, American Fisheries Society, East Lansing, MI

Myers, D., D. R. Passino-Reader, J. Stewart, S. Aichele, J. E. McKenna, K. P. Kowalski, D. Schloesser, A. Rasolofoson, and C. Castiglione. 2003. Great Lakes aquatic GAP analysis program. Michigan Chapter of the American Fisheries Society Annual Meeting, East Lansing, MI

Passiono-Reader, D. R., P. W. Seelbach, , S. R . Nelson, A. J. Rasolofoson, and K. P. Kowalski. 2003. Great Lakes aquatic gap - regional database for fish. International Association for Great Lakes Research 46th Annual Conference and International Lake Environment Committee 10th World Lakes Conference, Chicago, IL

Wilcox, D. A., M. J. Sweat, and K. P. Kowalski. 2003. A water-budget approach to hydrologic restoration of a sedge fen. 2003 Geological Sciences of America Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA

Kowalski, K. P., J. K. Crowley, D. J. Meyer, and M. L. Lindsley-Smith. 2002. Using IKONOS, ASTER, and Landsat to map island habitats in the Great Lakes. Seventh International Conference on Remote Sensing for Marine and Coastal Environments, Miami, FL

Kowalski, K. P. and M. Lindsley-Smith. 2002. Assessing wetland habitats in the Great Lakes basin with satellite-based multi-spectral sensors: advantages and challenges. 2002 Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Lake Placid, NY

McKenna, J., Jr., S. Aichele, C. Castiglione, J. Gannon, K. Kowalski, D. Myers, D. Passino-Reader, D. Schloesser, and J. Stewart. 2002. Regional GAP analysis and research in Great Lakes: tributary rivers and streams and coastal habitats. USGS National Gap Analysis Program Meeting, Shepherdstown, VA

Myers, D., J. Gannon, J. Stewart, S. Aichele, D. Passion-Reader, J. McKenna, K. Kowalski, D. Schloesser, and C. Castiglione. 2002. Great Lakes aquatic GAP analysis program. Great Lakes Aquatic GAP Analysis Stakeholders Meeting, Chicago, IL

Kowalski, K. P. and D. A. Wilcox. 2001. Analysis of ecological, hydrologic, and physical factors involved in the restoration of a large peatland in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, U.S.A. 2001 Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Chicago, IL

Kowalski, K. P. and D. A. Wilcox. 2001. Application of aerial photographs, GIS, and GPS during the restoration of a former barrier-beach wetland in Lake Erie. Coastal GeoTools ‘01, Charleston, SC

Kowalski, K. P. and D. A. Wilcox. 2000. Impacts of a constructed pool on a fen in Seney National Wildlife Refuge: restoration implications.

- 2000 Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- U.S. Geological Survey GIS Workshop 2001, Denver, CO

Kowalski, K. P. 1999. A geospatial solution to problems with siting wetland vegetation sampling transects near a sinuous creek in Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Michigan. BioGeo99, Applications of Geospatial Technology to Biological Sciences: A Symposium, Lafayette, LA

Kowalski, K. P. and D. A. Wilcox. 1999. Ecological and hydrologic factors influencing a peatland restoration project in Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Michigan. 1999 Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Norfolk, VA

Wilcox, D. A. and K. P. Kowalski. 1999. Overcoming problems in data collection for wetland restoration projects involving multiple participants. 1999 Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Norfolk, VA

Kowalski, K. P. and D. A. Wilcox. 1998. Use of aerial photographs, GIS, and GPS to examine wetland plant communities in a Lake Erie coastal marsh restoration project. 1998 Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Anchorage, AK

Kowalski, K. P. and D. A. Wilcox. 1997. Assessment of first-year drawdown using photo interpretation and GIS as part of a Lake Erie coastal wetland restoration project. 1997 Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Bozeman, MT

Kowalski, K. P. and D. A. Wilcox. 1996. Use of photo interpretation and GIS in developing a new approach to restoration and management of a Lake Erie coastal wetland. 1996 Society of Wetland Scientists Annual Meeting, Kansas City, MO

Kowalski, K. P., J. K. Crowley, D. J. Meyer, and M. L. Lindsley-Smith. 2004. Using IKONOS, ASTER, and Landsat to map island habitats in the Great Lakes. Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Wetland Protection Act Conference, Traverse City, MI

Wilcox, D. A., K. P. Kowalski, and M. L. Carlson. 2004. Role of fluctuating water levels on Lake Ontario coastal wetlands. Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Wetland Protection Act Conference, Traverse City, MI

Kowalski, K. P., D. A. Wilcox, and M. J. Wiley. 2003. Coastal wetland habitat restoration and exploration. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Great Lakes Basin Ecosystem Team, Chicago, IL

Kowalski, K. P. and D. A. Wilcox. 2003. Use of photointerpretation and GIS to develop a new approach to restoration and management of a Lake Erie coastal wetland. Association of American Geographers East Lakes Regional Meeting, Kalamazoo, MI

Kowalski, K. P. and M. L. Lindsley-Smith. 2003. Assessing wetland habitats in the Great Lakes basin with satellite-based multi-spectral sensors: advantages and challenges. Association of American Geographers East Lakes Regional Meeting, Kalamazoo, MI

Morrison, S. S., J. E. McKenna, Jr., K. P. Kowalski, and C. Castiglione. 2003. Great Lakes coastal aquatic gap analysis: preserving biodiversity in the Great Lakes basin. Lake St. Clair Coastal Habitat Conservation and Restoration Project Management Team Meeting, Great Lakes Commission and NOAA, Ann Arbor, MI

Kowalski, K. P. and D. A. Wilcox. 2002. A synthesis of the Metzger Marsh restoration project: wetland plant communities. 2002 Society of Wetland Scientists North Central Chapter Regional Meeting, Columbus, OH

Kowalski, K. P. and D. A. Wilcox. 2001. Impacts of a constructed pool on a fen in Seney National Wildlife Refuge: restoration implications. Twenty-First Annual ESRI International User Conference, San Diego, CA

Kowalski, K. P. and D. A. Wilcox. 1999. Use of photo interpretation and GIS to develop a new approach to restoration and management of a Lake Erie coastal wetland.

- 1999 Lake Erie at the Millennium - Changes, Trends, and Trajectories, Windsor, Ontario
- BioGeo99, Applications of Geospatial Technology to Biological Sciences: A Symposium, Lafayette, LA
- 1999 U.S. Geological Survey Third Biennial Geographic Information Science Workshop, Denver, CO
- 1999 Eastern Michigan University Graduate Student Research Fair, Ypsilanti, MI