Mid-Atlantic Freshwater Wetlands: Advances in Wetlands Science, Management, Policy, and Practice

ISBN-13: 9781489990235 / Angielski / Miękka / 2015 / 491 str.

Denice Heller Wardrop;Robert P Brooks

Opis

The lands and waters of the Mid-Atlantic Region (MAR) have changed significantly since before the 16^th century when the Susquehannock lived in the area. Much has changed since Captain John Smith penetrated the estuaries and rivers during the early 17^th century; since the surveying of the Mason-Dixon Line to settle border disputes among Maryland, Pennsylvania, and Delaware during the middle of the 18^th century; and since J. Thomas Scharf described the physiographic setting of Baltimore County in the late 19^th century. As early as 1881, Scharf provides us with an assessment of the condition of the aquatic ecosystems of the region, albeit in narrative form, and already changes are taking place the conversion of forests to fields, the founding of towns and cities, and the depletion of natural resources. We have always conducted our work with the premise that man is part of, and not apart from, this ecosystem and landscape. This premise, and the historical changes in our landscape, provide the foundation for our overarching research question: how do human activities impact the functioning of aquatic ecosystems and the ecosystem services that they provide, and how can we optimize this relationship?"

Recenzje

From the reviews:

"Mid-Atlantic Freshwater Wetlands offers a detailed review of the ecosystems in this region. ... this edited work comprises 14 chapters covering landscape and hydrology (5 chapters), major biota (5 chapters), and management (4 chapters). The literature cited in each chapter covers recent and older works. ... it is a useful resource for professionals, researchers, and managers of wetlands, especially those in the Mid-Atlantic ecoregions. Summing Up: Recommended. Graduate students and above." (R. L. Wallace, Choice, Vol. 51 (3), November, 2013)

Spis treści

Foreword.- Aquatic Landscapes: The Importance of Integrating Waters.- Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Classification, Inventory, and Reference Wetlands.- Linking Landscape to Wetland Condition: A Case Study of Eight Headwater Complexes in Pennsylvania.- Hydrology of Mid-Atlantic Freshwater Wetlands.- Hydric Soils of Mid-Atlantic Freshwater Wetlands.- Hydrophytes of the Mid-Atlantic Region: Ecology, Communities, Assessment, and Diversity.- Wetland-Riparian Wildlife of the Mid-Atlantic Region: An Overview.- Wetland-Riparian Birds of the Mid-Atlantic Region.- Assessing Wetland-Riparian Amphibian and Reptile Communities of the Mid-Atlantic Region.- Freshwater Macroinvertebrates of the Mid-Atlantic Region.- Monitoring and Assessment of Wetlands: Concepts, Case Studies, and Lessons Learned.- Wetlands Restoration and Mitigation.- Policy and Regulatory Programs Affecting Wetlands and Waters of the Mid-Atlantic Region.- Conservation and Management of Wetlands and Aquatic Landscapes: The Vital Role of Connectivity.- Index.

Blurb

Mid-Atlantic Freshwater Wetlands: Advances in Wetlands Science, Management, Policy, and Practice summarizes over two decades of work by Riparia, a Center at The Pennsylvania State University. This comprehensive book delves into the ecology and conservation of these critically important and valued ecosystems. The 14 chapters written or edited by Riparia’s leadership and colleagues, focus on understanding the ecology of freshwater wetlands and the stressors that affect them in a watershed context. Wetlands are viewed not as isolated patches, but as part of an integrated aquatic and terrestrial system. Early chapters address concepts of reference and hydrogeomorphic classification. The current state of our knowledge about hydrology, hydric soils, plants, and wildlife is covered in the middle chapters. Later chapters include policy issues and practice, with emphases on monitoring and assessment, restoration and mitigation, and conservation and regulatory programs. There are extensive reviews and listings of recent literature, and linkages to Riparia’s website where supplemental information can be found.