The Science Of Wetland Definition And Delineation

"Wetlands" has become a hot word in the current environmental debate. But what does it signify? In 1991, proposed changes in the legal definities of wetlands stirred controversy and focused attention on the scientific and economic aspects of their management. This volume explores how to define wetlands. The committee--whose members were drawn from academia, government, business, and the environmental community--builds a rational, scientific basis for delineating wetlands in the landscape and offers recommendations for further action. Wetlands also discusses the diverse hydrological and ecological functions of wetlands, and makes recommendations concerning so-called controversial areas such as permafrost wetlands, riparian ecosystems, irregularly flooded sites, and agricultural wetlands. It presents criteria for identifying wetlands and explores the problems of applying those criteria when there are seasonal changes in water levels. This comprehensive and practical volume will be of interest to environmental scientists and advocates, hydrologists, policymakers, regulators, faculty, researchers, and students of environmental studies.

Understand the current concept of wetland and methods for identifying, describing, classifying, and delineating wetlands in the United States with Wetland Indicators - capturing the current state of science's role in wetland recognition and mapping. Environmental scientists and others involved with wetland regulations can strengthen their knowledge about wetlands, and the use of various indicators, to support their decisions on difficult wetland determinations. Professor Tiner primarily focuses on plants, soils, and other signs of wetland hydrology in the soil, or on the surface of wetlands in his discussion of Wetland Indicators. Practicing - and aspiring - wetland delineators alike will appreciate Wetland Indicators' critical insight into the development and significance of hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and other factors. Features Shows 55 color plates, documenting wetland indicators throughout the nation - with more than 34 soil plates and aerial photos Illustrates other wetland properties with more than 50 figures Provides over 60 tables, including extensive tables of U.S. wetland plant communities and examples for determining hydrophytic vegetation Contents Wetland Definitions Wetland Concepts for Identification and Delineation Plant Indicators of Wetlands and Their Characteristics Vegetation Sampling and Analysis for Wetlands Soil Indicators of Wetlands Wetland Identification and Boundary Delineation Methods Problem Wetlands and Field Situations for Delineation Wetland Classification Wetlands of the United States: An Introduction, With Emphasis on Their Plant Communities Wetland Mapping and Photointerpretation

This book brings together in compact form a broad scientific and sociopolitical view of US wetlands. This primer lays out the science and policy considerations to help in navigating this branch of science that is so central to conservation policy, ecosystem science and wetland regulation. It gives explanations of the attributes, functions and values of our wetlands and shows how and why public attitudes toward wetlands have changed, and the political, legal, and social conflicts that have developed from legislation intended to stem the rapid losses of wetlands. The book describes the role of wetland science in facilitating the evolution of a rational and defensible system for regulating wetlands and will shed light on many of the problems and possibilities facing those who quest to protect and conserve our wetlands.

Understand the current concept of wetland and methods for identifying, describing, classifying, and delineating wetlands in the United States with Wetland Indicators - capturing the current state of science's role in wetland recognition and mapping. Environmental scientists and others involved with wetland regulations can strengthen their knowledge about wetlands, and the use of various indicators, to support their decisions on difficult wetland determinations. Professor Tiner primarily focuses on plants, soils, and other signs of wetland hydrology in the soil, or on the surface of wetlands in his discussion of Wetland Indicators. Practicing - and aspiring - wetland delineators alike will appreciate Wetland Indicators' critical insight into the development and significance of hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and other factors. Features Color images throughout illustrate wetland indicators. Incorporates analysis and coverage of the latest Army Corps of Engineers delineation manual. Provides over 60 tables, including extensive tables of U.S. wetland plant communities and examples for determining hydrophytic vegetation.

Wetlands are a vital natural resource and an integral part of the ecosystem. Yet they are also fraught with contention. Landowners, developers, ecologists, policymakers, and the courts must all navigate a complex landscape that requires knowledge not only of the relevant science of wetlands, but also the relevant policies, procedures, and legal precedents. In Wetlands: An Introduction Theda Braddock and Diane Hennessey guide the reader through this complex maze, presenting the most important information in an accessible way. The book opens with a brand new chapter on wetland jurisdiction and its history in the U.S., before explaining the basic science of wetlands—what they are, how they fit into the complex natural scheme, and the particular function and value of wetlands themselves. Fully updated chapters on wetland classification and the controversial issue of delineation round out the first half of the book. The second half explores the topics of permitting, enforcement, and litigation in detail, offering necessary information and practical guidance for all parties involved in wetlands disputes. This new edition has been extensively revised and updated, and presents the most up-to-date and important information on wetlands and their regulation. This new edition has been extensively revised and includes: A brand new chapter on jurisdiction Completely rewritten chapters on wetlands science Extensive updates within all chapters Updated Table of Cases Updated Bibliography Special features includes: Comprehensive and up-to-date table of relevant legal cases Extensive bibliography of sources for further reading Easy-to-read flowcharts explaining wetland delineation concepts

Wetland identification, although theoretically straightforward, is not cut and dry as a practice. Despite the time and expense, it is an economic and environmental necessity. The Definitive Guide to the Practice of Wetland IdentificationThe second edition of the bestselling Practical Handbook for Wetland Identification and Delineation offers soluti