Lecture 16: Current Issues in Wetlands

Threats to wetlands

physical, biological, chemical

What is a major issue with development in some states regarding wetlands?

Some states do not have wetland replacement laws

What are legacy development rights?

Older development permissions that allow building even when current wetland protections would restrict it

Why isn't every location suitable for replacing a wetland?

Not all areas have the proper hydrology, soil, or landscape to support a functional wetland

How can building without wetland replacement threaten developed areas?

Loss of wetlands increases flood risk and disrupts natural water storage

What key question arises when wetlands are removed regarding flooding?

"Where do the floodwaters go?"

What happens to wildlife when wetlands are destroyed?

Animals are displaced, raising the question: "Where do displaced animals go?"

What is one benefit of building with wetland replacement?

It provides an alternative when development requires wetland removal

Why is wetland replacement not a perfect solution?

It has limitations and cannot fully replicate natural wetlands

Can a replacement wetland be built anywhere?

No: the location must have suitable hydrology, soils, and landscape conditions

What is a major challenge of replacement wetlands?

They vary in quality

How do replacement wetlands often differ functionally from natural wetlands?

They have reduced or limited ecological function

Why might biodiversity be lower in replacement wetlands?

They may have reduced or artificial diversity

Why do replacement wetlands take time to become functional?

They need time to grow, establish vegetation, and develop ecosystem processes

What is a risk associated with using imported soils in wetland construction?

Imported soils could introduce invasive species

When was the Erie Canal originally constructed?

1817-1825

The Erie Canal follows the paths of which major rivers?

The Mohawk River and the Tonawanda River

Why is the Erie Canal considered relevant to wetland development issues?

It was a massive construction project that altered landscapes and waterways

What human impact accompanied the construction of the Erie Canal?

Human settlements expanded along the canal route

How did projects like the Erie Canal affect wetlands historically?

They often disrupted or replaced natural wetland systems through dredging, rerouting water, and development

Why are wetlands often drained for agriculture?

They contain fertile organic soil that is desirable for farming

What happens when wetlands are plowed and drained for fields?

Their fertile organic soil becomes usable for crops

What do drainage hoses/tiles accomplish?

They keep former wetlands dry by diverting excess water

Where is diverted water typically sent from drainage tiles?

Into channelized streams or artificial ditches

Why was the Aral Sea drained?

To irrigate fields for eastern European wheat production

Why can't natural precipitation sustain the agricultural demand around the Aral Sea?

Changing weather patterns and insufficient rainfall

What environmental issue results from the drying of the Aral Sea?

Exposed sediments and stored pollutants become airborne due to wind

What major consequence did drainage of the Aral Sea have on the ecosystem?

Loss of a major water body and collapse of the surrounding wetland systems

What two factors combine to alter global weather patterns under climate change?

Warmer waters and warmer air

How does climate change affect the jet stream?

It alters the jet stream's strength and path

Which climate phenomena become more extreme with climate change?

El Niño and La Niña

What happens when dry areas become wet due to climate change?

New wetland-like conditions can form, such as ghost forests

What happens when wet areas become dry?

Desertification and wetland loss

What is a "ghost forest"?

A formerly dry or upland forest that has become waterlogged and died due to flooding or rising groundwater

What happens to matter as temperatures rise?

Matter expands as it gets warmer

Does thermal expansion apply to water?

Yes: water expands as it warms

How does warmer water contribute to sea level rise?

Thermal expansion increases the volume of ocean water

How do warmer temperatures and climate change affect wetlands?

They reduce absorbent wetland habitat and intensify weather extremes

What are two major consequences of losing wetland absorbency combined with warming?

Increased flooding and increased drying

Why are wetlands important in stabilizing climate impacts?

They act as natural sponges that absorb excess water and buffer drought

What is the purpose of herbicides?

they target plants

What is the purpose of insecticides?

Insecticides target arthropods (insects)

Which type of pesticide is most common in agricultural overspray?

Herbicides

Example of a commonly used agricultural herbicide.

Dicamba

What pesticide was historically used to control mosquitoes and malaria?

DDT

What pesticide is often used to reduce Phragmites populations?

Glyphosate (e.g., Roundup)

Why is pesticide use a concern for wetlands?

Chemicals can contaminate water, harm native species, and upset ecological balance

Why are hunting organizations considered strong habitat conservationists?

They actively raise funds and support conservation efforts

How do private hunting groups contribute to conservation?

They raise money to conserve and protect habitat

How do hunting permits and taxes help conservation?

They generate state and federal revenue used for wildlife and habitat management

Why is lead used in ammunition?

It is a soft metal that deforms inside the body, increasing the chance of a successful shot

How does lost prey contribute to lead poisoning in wildlife?

Scavengers eat carcasses containing lead fragments

How do predators become poisoned by lead?

By ingesting animals shot with lead ammunition or eating lost bullets and shot

Why is lead poisoning a major concern for wetland predators?

It accumulates in their bodies, leading to neurological and physiological harm

What type of infection is chytridiomycosis?

A dermal fungal infection

What essential physiological process does chytridiomycosis affect in amphibians?

Osmoregulation

When did chytridiomycosis begin spreading widely?

in the 1950's

What major factor contributed to the global spread of chytridiomycosis?

The illegal pet trade

How many amphibian species have been driven to extinction or near extinction by chytridiomycosis?

Approximately 200 species

What misconception contributes to wetland destruction?

The belief that wetlands are gross/swampy, slimy, or disease ridden.

How does underappreciation impact wetland conservation?

It fuels destruction, draining, and development of wetlands due to perceived lack of value

What does the phrase "laboratories of democracy" refer to?

The idea that individual U.S. states can act as testing grounds for innovative social and economic policies

Who popularized the phrase "laboratories of democracy"?

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis

How does the concept of "laboratories of democracy" relate to wetlands?

States can experiment with new strategies for wetland protection and management

Which states are noted examples of strong wetland protection initiatives?

New York and California

Besides state governments, what type of organizations help protect wetlands?

Private agencies and nonprofits

Example of a private organization involved in wetland conservation

The Nature Conservancy