I have been discussing the merits of stream restoration with some
colleagues and I've been fussing over the potential loss of wetlands
as a result of the removal of dams. My stream-oriented friends have
been asking why I've been worried about the loss of what amounts to
artificial wetlands in the first place? Aside from the fact that
they're typically considered jurisdictional, it got me wondering if
we (collectively) have any idea whatsoever how many wetlands in the
landscape are artificial? In other words, how many wetlands exist
because of human activities, such as roads, railroads, and the like?
(Let's keep mitigation, stormwater, and treatment wetlands out of the
discussion for now.) Anyone have a clue?
Thanks.
Andy Cole
Charles Andrew Cole, Ph.D.
Associate Director
Center for Watershed Stewardship
Penn State University
301a Forest Resources Laboratory
University Park, PA 16802
814-865-5735
[EMAIL PROTECTED]
http://www.larch.psu.edu/watershed/home.html
