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International
Symposium
Wetlands 2006
Applying Scientific, Legal, and Management
Tools for the
Great Lakes and Beyond
August 28-31, 2006
Grand Traverse Resort,
Near Traverse City, Michigan
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Abstracts
(PDF)
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Sponsorship/Cooperating
Parties
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Exhibit/Poster
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Registration
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Hotel/Travel
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ABSTRACTS
(1of 7)
(Page
2, Page
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4, Page
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7)
Please note, more abstracts will be added. Not all speakers have
submitted abstracts. Abstracts are listed in alphabetical order
by the name of the speaker.
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Abstracts on
this page by: (updated
8-17-06)
How
to Implement Integrated Design and Planning for Urban Wetland
Management
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Authors/Presenters*:
Lindsay P. Abraham
Abraham Consulting
3172 Lincoln Road
Standish,
MI 48658
(989) 846-2772
labraham2772@esagelink.com
and
Debra R. Abraham*
Abraham Consulting
(989) 345-5490, Ext. 117
debra.abraham@macd.org
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Urban
wetland management that successfully leads to protection, restoration
and enhancement of the ecological integrity of a wetland, involves
careful planning and design by various stakeholders. Stakeholders
include state and federal agencies, business, industry, and the
public community.
There is a growing movement to implement integrated planning and
design in areas of urban development. The issues of stormwater
runoff and proper filtration of pollutant loads are concerns in
development. Searfoss Developments (Tim Searfoss) in Ogemaw County,
Michigan, proposes to design an area with 45 residential sites.
He plans to utilize some existing wetlands, and to enhance or
replace a portion of wetlands with even higher quality, natural
filtration systems, such as rain gardens. Each residential site
would be designed so the runoff from that site would filtrate
into a rain garden on that parcel, and/or into the development's
larger rain garden filtration system. This would allow runoff
to be filtrated naturally, and numerous times, before entering
the groundwater. Other concepts in "green" infrastructure would
also be introduced.
This proposal includes an invitation for the Environmental Protection
Agency to utilize this site as a pilot study and monitor its effectiveness
over a five-year period.
The goal of this project is a 'zero-stormwater runoff development'
which, first, protects as much of the existing wetland as possible
and, second, designs and installs improved, high-performance wetlands
where needed to achieve these goals.
Key words: Implement, integrated, design, planning, wetland
management, high-performance wetland, rain garden, filtration,
'green' infrastructure, stormwater runoff, pilot study. |
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Black
Tern Population Trends, Habitat Characteristics and Great Lakes
Coastal Wetlands
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Authors/Presenter*:
David Adams*, Irene Mazzocchi, and Jeffrey Corser
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233
(518) 402-8902; Fax: 518-402-8925
djadams@gw.dec.state.ny.us
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| Black
Tern, Chlidonias niger, an Endangered species in New York
State, have experienced a 56% decline in the number of breeding
pair documented during 7 statewide censuses, 1989-2004. At an
annual rate of -3.4% (R2 = 0.73, p = 0.014) the species will become
extirpated from the State by 2027 if this trend continues. The
estimated number of breeding pairs in 2004 was 178, with only
15 sites having confirmed breeding activity. Pairwise cross correlations
on abundance (~0) infer a high degree of movement among sites,
in particular, six marshes appear to be acting as population sources.
During 2002 habitat assessments were conducted which indicated
that sites which had maintained a stable Black Tern breeding population
contained more plots with vegetation less than 50 cm in height
(t=-2.06, p<0.1); more plots with moderate dense vegetation (t=.017,
p<0.1) and fewer plots with very dense vegetation (t=1.81, p<0.1);
more core plots with 3 m diameter pools (t=-2.18, p<0.1); and
more plots with muskrat activity (t=-2.45, p<0.1) than did declining
sites. To understand the impacts of lake level stabilization on
coastal wetlands, and formerly occupied Black Tern breeding sites,
an analysis of emergent marsh habitat available over time is being
conducted using aerial photography, 1938 to 2005. |
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The
Effects of Different Management Techniques Upon the Shoreline
Wetland Vegetation of Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron and Grand Traverse
Bay, Lake Michigan
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Author/Presenter:
Dennis A. Albert, Ph.D.
Research Ecologist
Michigan Natural Features Inventory
Michigan State University Extension
Stevens T. Mason Building
P.O. Box 30444
Lansing, MI 48909-7944
(517) 335-4580; Fax: (517) 373-9566
albertd@michigan.gov; albertd@msue.msu.edu
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| In
2004 and 2005 during a low-water level period on the Great Lakes,
sampling was conducted in paired plots to investigate the effects
of different management techniques being used by local Great Lakes
shoreline property owners to remove emergent vegetation from the
shoreline in front of their homes or businesses. The effects of
three common techniques, mowing, disking or plowing, and hand-removal,
upon the long-term viability of the dominant perennial emergent
vegetation were compared, with biomass comparisons of both the
above- and below-ground plant structures. While mowing reduced
the biomass of both the above- and below-ground plant structures,
disking, plowing, and regular hand-removal resulted in the complete
elimination of the perennial vegetation within the two-year period.
Below-ground investigations also provided additional insights
into differences in ecosystem process across the study area. |
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Multiple
Year Vegetation Sampling in a Northern Lake Huron Coastal Wetland
to Document Changes Related to Natural Water-Level Fluctuations
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Authors/Presenter*:
Dennis A. Albert, Ph.D.*
Michigan Natural Features Inventory
Michigan State University Extension
Research Ecologist
Stevens T. Mason Building
P.O. Box 30444
Lansing, MI 48909-7944
(517) 335-4580; Fax: (517) 373-9566
albertd@michigan.gov; albertd@msue.msu.edu
and
Thomas M. Burton, and Donald G. Uzarski
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| Vegetation
sampling was conducted along transects annually in late July from
1996 through 2004, a period in which water levels reached extreme
highs, followed by a period of several years when water levels
were below mean. Sampling was conducted in two wetlands, Mackinac
Bay and Mismer Bay, within the Les Cheneaux Island area of northern
Lake Huron. Transect sampling of wetland vegetation, organic depth,
soil texture, and water depth began in the wet meadow zone and
continued into the emergent marsh. Temporal and spatial patterns
of species change along an elevation gradient, plant diversity
and Floristic Quality Index change by marsh zone, and response
of exotic plants were documented over the nine year period. |
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Biodiversity
in Selected Natural Communities Related to Global Climate Change
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Authors/Presenter*:
Craig Anderson*, Janeen Laatsch, and Bill Smith
Bureau of Endangered Resources
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921
(608) 267-5037; Fax: (608) 266-2925
Craig.Anderson@dnr.state.wi.us
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| Climate
change is likely to cause significant ecological changes. Organisms
are expected to respond through changes in range, abundance, and
other parameters. In Wisconsin, peatlands occur primarily in the
north and become progressively rarer to the south and west. Because
peatlands contain so many species south of their normal range,
some type of response to a changing climate might be expected.
Goals of this five-year study are to provide baseline data on
the presence, abundance, and distribution of selected plant and
animal species strongly associated with peatlands in WI. Because
the intent is to repeat the study in 15-20 years, an important
consideration is to develop a replicable methodology. Taxonomic
groups addressed include small mammals, breeding passerine birds,
selected terrestrial and aquatic invertebrates, amphibians, other
rare herps, and rare vascular plants. Potentially other groups
(e.g., bryophytes) may be addressed a well. Two survey intensities
are being used: intensive and extensive. Sampling is being conducted
for each taxonomic group annually at thirteen reference sites
distributed throughout the state. Photo points have also been
established at these sites. Also, sampling is being conducted
at up to 200 randomly chosen sites for selected taxa. Standardized
survey methods are being used. Sampling points and specimen observation
and collection locations are being gathered with handheld GPS
units and converted into GIS shape files. Data are being entered
into appropriate databases. We have finished the first two years
of surveys and new distribution data are summarized. |
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Wetland
Complexes and Upland-Wetland Linkages: Landscape Effects on
the Distribution of Rare and Common Wetland Species
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Authors/Presenter*:
Omar Attum* and Bruce A. Kingsbury
Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management
Indiana-Purdue University Fort Wayne
2101 E. Coliseum Boulevard
Fort Wayne, IN 46805
attumo@ipfw.edu, kingsbur@ipfw.edu
Yu Man Lee
Michigan Natural Features Inventory
Michigan State University Extension
P.O. Box 30444
Lansing, MI 48909-7944
leeyu@michigan.gov
and
John H. Roe
Institute for Applied Ecology
University of Canberra
Canberra, ACT 2601 Australia
j.roe@student.canberra.edu.au
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| An
unrealized value of metapopulaton and landscape ecology concepts
such as connectivity and patch size is their application to test
the importance of upland-wetland linkages for wetland species.
We examined how habitat connectivity and patch size influenced
the distribution of two common wetland species, the northern watersnake
(Nerodia sipedon sipedon) and midland painted turtle (Chrysemys
picta marginata), and two rare wetland species, the copper-bellied
watersnake (Nerodia erythrogaster neglecta) and Blanding's
turtle (Emydoidea blandingii). We tested whether connectivity
(wetland distance to other wetlands), connectivity quality (wetland
distance to roads and forest area within 30 m, 125 m, 250 m, 500
m, and 1000 m of the wetland), and patch size (wetland size and
shoreline length) affected the distribution of these four species.
Our results show that both common species were more likely to
occur in larger, less isolated wetlands, but their distribution
was not influenced by proximity to roads or the amount of adjacent
forest area. In contrast, both rare species were more likely to
occur in wetlands with more shoreline length, that were farther
away from roads and with increased forest area up to 250 m buffer
zones. However, wetland distance to the nearest wetland were not
significant predictors of either rare species' distribution. Our
results suggest that management practices should focus on protecting
wetlands complexes and maintaining upland-wetland linkages through
improving landscape connectivity by maintaining forests surrounding
wetlands and reducing road effects. Keywords: connectivity, patch
size, metapopulation, wetland complexes, buffer zone, roads |
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Regional
Application of Rapid and GIS Level Assessment Methods for Wetland
Resource Evaluation and Management
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Authors/Presenter*:
Jane Awl*
TVA Regional Natural Heritage Project
400 West Summit Hill Drive
Knoxville, TN 37902-1401
(865) 632-6362; Fax: (865) 632-4582
djawl5@tva.gov
and
James Groton and Britta Dimick
Scientific Applications International Corporation
151 Lafayette Drive
P.O. Box 2501
Oak Ridge, TN 37831
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| The
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is a federal agency which manages
land and water resources across seven states in the interior southeastern
United States, including a system of over 50 freshwater reservoirs.
The TVA region encompasses a diverse range of landscapes, including
mountains, foothills, valleys, plateau, interior basin, and coastal
plain. The types of wetlands and other habitats found in this
region are similarly diverse. Standard methods for the assessment
of natural resources that can be applied throughout this entire
region are needed for consistent and defensible environmental
decision-making. Developing assessment methods which are applicable
to such a diverse array of wetland types has presented a challenge.
Additionally, decision time-frames and budgets are always limiting
factors. In order to be useful, assessment methods must be both
cost-effective and provide timely results. This presentation describes
applications of rapid and GIS level assessment methods for the
evaluation of wetlands in this region, as well as the development
of additional tools and resources to support these assessments.
Specific applications considered include wetland permitting, mitigation,
monitoring, and resource management. |
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The
Effects of Management on the Vagility of the Federally Endangered
Mitchell's Satyr Butterfly
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Author/Presenter:
Barb Barton
Associate Program Leader - Zoology
Michigan Natural Features Inventory - Michigan State University
Extension
P.O. Box 30444
Stevens T. Mason Building
Lansing MI 48909
Ph.D. Candidate
Department of Entomology - Michigan State University
Department of Entomology
243 Natural Science
E. Lansing, MI 48824
(734) 576-8427
bartonb1@msu.edu
bartonb1@michigan.gov
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Mitchell's satyr (Neonympha mitchellii mitchellii) is an endangered
prairie fen butterfly found in only 19 isolated populations in
southern Michigan and northern Indiana. In southern Michigan,
fens occur as small islands within a matrix of agricultural and
natural habitats unsuitable for N. m. mitchellii. Due to the suppression
of natural disturbances within individual fen systems, suitable
satyr habitat is increasingly fragmented as woody species invasion
causes barriers to satyr dispersal. One conservation challenge
is to determine the most effective way of moving individuals between
suitable sites in order to maintain genetic viability. Previous
research indicates that the butterflies are capable of flying
up to 600 meters during their three week flight period, not nearly
far enough to reach other occupied habitats. The study presented
in this talk will focus on satyr movement between managed open
fen habitat and shrub carr within sites, and discuss upcoming
studies to test the effects of artificially created corridors
on satyr movement and of prescribed burning on N. m .mitchellii
survival. This research is part of intensive management effort
by conservation organizations, State and Federal governmental
agencies, and zoos to enhance and restore prairie fen habitat
in Michigan to conserve this and other rare species. |
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Developing
a Strategic Approach to Wetland Conservation in Wisconsin Through
an Analysis of Threats
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Authors/Presenter*:
Katie Beilfuss*
Wetland Conservation Project Coordinator and Membership & Operations
Coordinator
Wisconsin Wetlands Association
222 S. Hamilton Street #1
Madison, WI 53703
(608) 250-9971; Fax: (608) 287-1179
katie@wiscwetlands.org; www.wiscwetlands.org
and
Becky Abel
Wisconsin Wetlands Association
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Wisconsin
Wetlands Association is one of many groups that struggles with
how to most strategically approach wetlands conservation. In 2005,
the organization launched a statewide analysis of threats to wetlands
in Wisconsin with the goal of identifying strategic approaches
for working proactively to help slow wetland loss and improve
wetland protections. We anticipate that the results of our analysis
will not only provide a roadmap for Wisconsin Wetlands Association's
work, but will also provide a useful tool for others. For example,
the results of the analysis may clarify to the state's future
wetland issues and may uncover research needs that, once addressed,
will help agencies and organizations develop more effective strategies
for wetland conservation.
Our analysis involves consulting with statewide wetland experts
and reviewing existing conservation plans to 1) identify the threats
to each of twelve types of wetland, by geographic region, in Wisconsin,
2) rank the extent, severity, contribution, and reversibility
of each of these threats, 3) identify important wetland sites
in the state, and 4) identify and rank threats to these important
wetland sites. We are also evaluating "opportunity areas" where
tourism or recreation potential can contribute to wetland preservation
efforts.
The results from this analysis will provide powerful tools for
us and our partners to use in the fight for wetland conservation,
focusing our efforts toward those that are most strategic for
long-term wetlands conservation. These efforts will include outreach,
policy, and program work. |
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Field Perspective on Identification of
Wetlands and Other Waters after Rapanos & Carabell
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Author/Presenter:
Peg Bostwick
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality-LWMD
P.O. Box 30458
Lansing, MI 48909
(517) 335-3470 Fax: (517) 241-8098
bostwicp@michigan.gov
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The recent Supreme Court decision in the Rapanos and Carabell
cases has created, at a minimum, a significant uncertainty gap
regarding federal jurisdiction over our nation's waters. Various
suggestions have been advanced - by the Court itself and by assorted
public interest groups - regarding possible responsibility for
filling whatever regulatory gap exists. These suggestions include
(1) assumption of greater responsibility by state and local agencies
for waters that are isolated or not traditionally navigable; (2)
development of improved regulations by the Corps and EPA to more
clearly link regulated waters to interstate commerce or to traditionally
navigable waters; (3) Congressional action; or (4) some combination
of the above.
This panel has been asked to discuss such suggestions from the
perspective of those who work at the field level, where permits
are issued and where people, property, and natural resources are
impacted on a day to day basis. What can and should states and
tribes do in response to these decisions? How have these opinions
impacted federal permit programs and wetland resources on the
ground? What have our elected representatives been hearing from
their constituents?
The opinions expressed by this panel are expected to be practical,
down to earth, and will most definitely not represent the "official"
views of any agency or organization. Questions, comments, and
discussion by those attending this session will be encouraged.
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Assessing
the Quality and Quantity of Depressional Wetlands in a Minnesota
Watershed
Using a Probabilistic Survey
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Authors/Presenter*:
Michael Bourdaghs* and John Genet
Environmental Analysis & Outcomes Division
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
520 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 296-7437
Michael.Bourdaghs@state.mn.us
and
Anthony R. Olsen
Western Ecology Division
USEPA National Health and Environmental Research Laboratory
Corvallis, OR
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| Utilizing
a probabilistic survey design, the Minnesota Pollution Control
Agency evaluated the condition of emergent depressional wetlands
in the Redwood River watershed using aquatic plant and macroinvertebrate
indices of biological integrity (IBI). According to EMAP protocols,
sites were randomly selected from a modified National Wetland
Inventory (NWI) coverage of the watershed. Approximately 150 of
these sites were evaluated in order to obtain 40 suitable depressional
wetlands where both plants and macroinvertebrates could be sampled.
Unsuitable sites were eliminated from the study because they were
either no longer a wetland, a different class of wetland, or unable
to be sampled for aquatic macroinvertebrates. The evaluation of
potential sites allowed the estimation of wetland losses in the
watershed over a 20 year period (1980-2003) for four wetland size
categories: <1, 1-5, 5-10, and >10 hectares. Cumulative distribution
functions of the IBI results estimated that 593 (69%) depressional
wetland basins, representing 2477 hectares (91%) of depressional
wetland area, were biologically impaired in the watershed. The
number of wetland basins in the Redwood watershed decreased by
56%, representing a 21% decrease in depressional wetland area,
since the early 1980s. The likelihood that a wetland had been
entirely drained during this period increased as size of the wetland
decreased, with loss rates exceeding 60% in the <1 hectare category.
The results of this wetland quality and quantity assessment indicate
that depressional wetlands in this predominantly agricultural
watershed have experienced a multitude of impacts that have either
resulted in their elimination or degradation. |
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Remotely
Monitoring Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands Using a Hybrid Radar
and Multi-Spectral Sensor Approach
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Authors/Presenter*:
Laura Bourgeau-Chavez
Michigan Research and Development Center
General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems
1200 Joe Hall Drive
Ypsilanti, MI 48197
(734) 480-5053
laura.chavez@gd-ais.com
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| New
approaches have been developed for mapping Great Lakes coastal
wetlands, land cover/ land use, and the invasive species Phragmites
using a fusion of satellite radar imagery and traditional
multi-spectral data (Landsat). Wetlands have historically been
one of the most difficult ecosystems to classify using remotely
sensed data. This difficulty is partially due to the high variability
in wetland morphology. Our results show how Synthetic Aperture
Radar (SAR) and multi-spectral sensors complement each other in
the classification of wetland ecosystems. SAR provides information
on the moisture content and biomass properties of the landscape
and closed canopy inundation information which complements information
on cover type obtained from Landsat. The long wavelength of L-band
(23 cm) SAR imagery is capable of penetrating a forest canopy
and detecting inundation, while the shorter wavelength of C-band
(5.7 cm) SAR is capable of penetrating herbaceous canopies to
detect flooding. By merging the optical and microwave SAR data,
we increase the number of land cover classes that can be discerned
with minimal in situ, and create checks of one dataset
against the other. Further, since SAR is sensitive to flooding
beneath a canopy, SAR imagery can be used to monitor changes in
extent of inundation in coastal wetlands. These new techniques
have been demonstrated at test sites on Lake Michigan, Lake St.
Clair, and Lake Ontario. |
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Landscape
Conservation for Waterfowl and Water Quality
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Author/Presenter:
David Brakhage
Director of Conservation Programs - Great Lakes
Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
(734) 623-2000
dbrakhage@ducks.org
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| The
Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement designated 43 Areas of Concern
(AOCs) where degraded water quality conditions impaired certain
beneficial uses, including degradation of fish and wildlife habitat.
Remedial Action Plans have been developed to restore and maintain
beneficial uses. Wetland habitat restoration efforts of Ducks
Unlimited and its partners can help eliminate Beneficial Use Impairments
in AOCs. Wetlands provide many ecosystem services that directly
contribute to improved water quality and eventual de-listing of
AOCs. The partner-based approach taken in the Saginaw Bay watershed
to wetland conservation on a landscape scale has been effective
in delivering results on the ground. In 1998, 2001 and again in
2005, Ducks Unlimited received, on behalf of its partners, grants
totaling $2,774,750 from the North American Wetlands Conservation
Council to conserve wetlands and associated habitats in the Saginaw
Bay watershed. These funds were used to focus on protection and
restoration of Great Lakes coastal marshes and their associated
habitats along the Saginaw Bay shore, expansion of existing state
and federal wildlife areas with the restoration of newly acquired
lands where possible, and restoration and enhancement of of small
wetlands and associated uplands on private lands throughout the
watershed. Over 10,000 acres of conserved habitat is linked to
this effort. This is a model that can be used in other AOCs and
fits well with the objectives and restoration goals of the Great
Lakes Regional Collaboration. This approach has worked well because
it is based on a consensus vision, provides a framework for cooperation,
and rewards those efforts that best advance us toward the shared
vision. |
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The
Carbon Balance of North American Wetlands
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Authors/Presenter*:
Scott D. Bridgham*
Center for Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
University of Oregon
Eugene, OR 97493-5289
(541) 346-1466
bridgham@uoregon.edu
J. Patrick Megonigal and Jason K. Keller
Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
P.O. Box 28 647, Contees Wharf Road
Edgewater, MD 21037
Norman B.
Bliss
SAIC
USGS Center for Earth Resources Observation and Science
Sioux Falls, SD 57198
and
Carl Trettin
Center for Forested Wetland Research
USDA Forest Service
2730 Savannah Highway
Charleston, SC 29414
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| We
examine the carbon balance of North American wetlands by reviewing
and synthesizing the published literature and other available
soil databases. North American wetlands contain about 220 Pg C,
most of which is in peat. North American wetlands are a small
to moderate carbon sink of about 70 Tg C yr-1, although the error
around this estimate is greater than 100%, with the largest unknown
being the role of carbon sequestration by sedimentation in freshwater
mineral-soil wetlands. We estimate that North American wetlands
emit 26 Tg CH4 yr-1, although the error of this estimate is also
greater than 100%. With the exception of estuarine wetlands, methane
emissions from wetlands may largely offset any positive benefits
of carbon sequestration in soils and plants. Historically, the
destruction of wetlands through land-use changes has had the largest
effect on the carbon fluxes and consequent radiative forcing of
North American wetlands. The primary effects have been a reduction
in their ability to sequester carbon (a small to moderate increase
in radiative forcing), oxidation of their soil carbon reserves
upon drainage (a small increase in radiative forcing), and a reduction
in methane emissions (a moderate decrease in radiative forcing).
Global change effects on the carbon pools and fluxes of North
American wetlands is the largest future unknown. We will not be
able to accurately predict the role of wetlands as potential positive
or negative feedbacks to anthropogenic climate change without
knowing the integrative effects of changes in temperature, precipitation,
atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations, and atmospheric deposition
of nitrogen and sulfur within the context of internal ecosystem
drivers of wetlands. |
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How
Much Habitat is Enough? Science Based Guidelines for Planning
and Restoration
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Author/Presenter:
Graham Bryan
Biodiversity Issues Coordinator
Canadian Wildlife Service - Ontario
Environment Canada
4905 Dufferin Street
Downsview, ON, M3H 5T4
(416) 739-4918
Graham.Bryan@ec.gc.ca
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| How
Much Habitat is Enough? is the recently released 2nd edition
of A Framework for Rehabilitating Habitat Rehabilitation in
Great Lakes Areas of Concern. How Much Habitat is Enough?
utilizes an extensive literature review to provide 18 guidelines
for restoring wetland, woodland and riparian wildlife habitat.
The goal is to describe the minimum habitat required to support
minimum viable wildlife populations within Areas of Concern. The
watershed-based guidelines include minimum 10% wetland cover in
watersheds and 6% in sub-watersheds, ensuring vegetated critical
function and protection zones, and strategically locating wetland
rehabilitation projects. The guidelines are general and intended
to be adapted to local conditions. The original Framework (1998)
had been in limited release and was intended to help locate restoration
projects and develop restoration plans within Areas of Concern.
The Framework was used in locations such as the Severn
Sound AOC to contribute to the basis for de-listing and has been
used in approximately 30 Natural Heritage and Watershed Strategies.
The Framework has also evolved as a conservation and protection
tool, being used by municipal planners and decision makers as
a rationale for habitat protection by conservation agencies. The
How Much Habitat is Enough? initiative continues to provide guidance
through new reports such as Area Sensitive Forest birds in
Urban Areas. While the initiative has informed planning and
decision making it has also emphasized the gap that exists between
the science and planning and decision making. |
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Great
Lakes Coastal Zone Depressional Wetlands:
Assessing Their Importance and Condition in Michigan
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Authors/Presenter*:
Thomas M. Burton*
Michigan State University
Departments of Zoology and Fisheries and Wildlife
East Lansing, MI 48824
(517) 353-4475
burtont@msu.edu
and
Donald G. Uzarski
Grand Valley State University
Annis Water Resources Institute
Muskegon, MI 49441
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| Coastal
wetlands have been substantially reduced in area since pre-European
settlement with losses > 50 % overall and > 90 % in some areas
of the southern Great Lakes. The greatest losses have occurred
for coastal zone wetlands located in depressions within one km
of the shoreline and not directly connected to the lakes via surface
water. Many of these wetlands were drained for agriculture and
urban development over a century ago but losses continue at present.
Even though they are not directly connected via surface water
to the Great Lakes, the wetlands are influenced by lake levels,
probably through lake level effects on the water table and ground
water flow patterns. They have received less attention from the
scientific and regulatory communities than have those directly
connected to the lakes, even though they are often cited as important
reservoirs of biodiversity. We have sampled invertebrates from
more than 90 individual, depressional sites located in more than
60 separate wetland complexes over the last four years along the
Lake Huron and Lake Michigan shorelines with sampling about equally
divided between marshes and swamps. We will discuss attempts to
use these data to develop systems of bioassesment. Even though
we have identified some metrics and combined them into indices
of biotic integrity, the precision of these systems remains marginal.
We have also compared results from depressional, coastal zone
wetlands with IBI's developed for more inland wetlands. These
results along with preliminary data on bird, amphibian and reptiles
suggest that the coastal zone wetlands are different enough from
inland wetlands so that results from inland wetlands cannot be
transferred to them without substantial verification and adjustments.
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