Wetland Threats and Conservation

Controversial Issue n The issue of how much wetland acreage has been lost in the United States has led to heated debates about limiting alteration of natural resources. n Overstatements or misrepresentations of the remaining wetland acreage are usually the result of emotional arguments rather than factual data.

Objectives 1) Describe amount of wetland loss in U.S. 2) Describe human actions that threaten wetlands. 3) Identify causes of wetland alteration. 4) Discuss opportunities for conservation

How Much Wetland Area Has Been Lost?? (since pre-settlement ~ 1600’s)? n Nationwide – >53% (in lower 48) –1780 – 221 million acres –1980 – 102 million acres  Kentucky (example)  > 80% of total wetlands lost  Most of Alaska’s 170 million acres of wetlands remain intact  45% of Alaska’s land surface!

Major Effects of Wetland Losses n > 50% loss of spawning grounds for fish n > 50% loss of waterfowl habitat n > 50% loss of flood control capability n > 50% loss of erosion control and sediment-trapping capability

Why So Much Wetland Loss? n Perception of wetlands as “wastelands” –Because the values of wetlands and their overall environmental importance have been only recently recognized, the United States has a 200-year history of wetland conversion. n Economic incentives for development and urban sprawl n Considering short term gains and not long- term degradation of ecosystems –Long term disaster?

Major Causes of Wetland Loss & Degradation A) Biological Alterations B) Chemical Alterations C) Physical Destruction or Degradation

A) Biological Alterations 1. Removal of wetland or riparian vegetation 2. Introduction of non-native/exotic species

Removal of riparian vegetation next to stream due to residential development.

Farming up to edge of stream.

Livestock corral adjacent to stream

Introduced weeds and non-native plants, i.e. purple loosestrife need to be controlled through biological, chemical and/or mechanical means or prevented by proper land management, i.e. minimize disturbance.

Chemical Alterations 1. Release of pollutants & toxic chemicals 2. Change in nutrient levels

Agricultural runoff carries pesticides, fertilizers and manure.

Livestock corral on streams allows manure (nutrients) to enter stream unfiltered by vegetation.

Sediment plume discharging into river and then entering lake.

Physical Destruction or Degradation_____ 1. Filling 2. Draining 3. Dredging & Stream Channelization 4. Peat Mining 5. Flooding & Changes in Sediment Deposition Patterns due to Dam Construction. 6. ATV/Recreational Uses

Stream channelization = straightening of rivers & streams for railroad and highways.

Peat Mining n Michigan is largest peat producer. n Other large peat producers are: Florida, Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota n Peatland crop production (sod, carrots, onions, celery, potatoes, lettuce, cranberries, mint, radishes. n Horticultural use; containerized seedlings used in forest industry.

Flooding (and flood damage) is much greater when streams are straightened and riparian vegetation has been removed.

ORVs: What about the bank of the stream?

WETLANDS DAMAGE FORCES ATV BAN ATVs have been banned from many areas of the National Forest, but not others. The Valhalla Sunbowl near Washburn, WI has been permanently closed to ATVs after a small wetland once home to frogs, deer and rabbits was turned into gray muck and pools filled with stagnant water by ATV riders. It is estimated to take years to repair…..

II. Education Efforts to Protect and Enhance Wetlands____ A. Public Education Brochures & booklets Landowner’s Guide handbooks Landowner workshops Videos Logger certification programs Teacher workshops Curriculum development – K-12 and university Children’s literature

Educational materials for landowners and public…

Workshops for ranchers, farmers and landowners.

Forest Stewardship Programs educate forest landowners & loggers.

Teacher workshops wetlands soils stream monitoring wildlife WOW! The Wonders of Wetlands: An Educator’s Guide A Thousand Friends of Frogs Educator Activity Guide (Center for Global Environmental Education)

Wetlands Ecology university level

Learning about ducks and wetlands at the BG Army Depot

Adopt-a-Stream Projects Lake Linden-Hubbell Middle School students cleaning the Trap Rock River, near Lake Linden, MI. Trap Rock River Newsletter sent to all residents of school district. 65 tires removed……and lots of several pick-up trucks of trash.

B. Organizations & Agencies with Wetland Education & Protection Mission___ State and Federal Agencies Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, Division of Water Kentucky Nature Preserves Commission U.S. EPA (epa.gov/owow/wetlands/) U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service U.S. Geological Survey USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service U.S. Bureau of Reclamation ( U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

Professional Organizations Society of Wetland Scientists (sws.org) Soil & Water Conservation Society The Wildlife Society (wildlife.org) Advocacy & Stewardship Organizations: National Wildlife Sierra Club Protection/Conservation Organizations The Nature Conservancy Ducks Unlimited

Summary  3 categories of wetland alteration  Major causes of wetland loss & degradation  Education is essential