Mid-Atlantic freshwater wetlands : advances in wetlands science, management, policy, and practice

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? Front Matter....Pages i-xiv Aquatic Landscapes: The Importance of Integrating Waters....Pages 1-37 Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Classification, Inventory, and Reference Wetlands....Pages 39-59 Linking Landscapes to Wetland Condition: A Case Study of Eight Headwater Complexes in Pennsylvania....Pages 61-108 Hydrology of Mid-Atlantic Freshwater Wetlands....Pages 109-127 Hydric Soils Across Pennsylvania Reference, Disturbed, and Mitigated Wetlands....Pages 129-157 Hydrophytes in the Mid-Atlantic Region: Ecology, Communities, Assessment, and Diversity....Pages 159-258 Wetland-Riparian Wildlife of the Mid-Atlantic Region: An Overview....Pages 259-268 Wetland-Riparian Birds of the Mid-Atlantic Region....Pages 269-311 Assessing Wetland-Riparian Amphibian and Reptile Communities of the Mid-Atlantic Region....Pages 313-337 Freshwater Macroinvertebrates of the Mid-Atlantic Region....Pages 339-379 Monitoring and Assessment of Wetlands: Concepts, Case Studies, and Lessons Learned....Pages 381-419 Wetlands Restoration and Mitigation....Pages 421-440 Policy and Regulatory Programs Affecting Wetlands and Waters of the Mid-Atlantic Region....Pages 441-462 Conservation and Management of Wetlands and Aquatic Landscapes: The Vital Role of Connectivity....Pages 463-477 Back Matter....Pages 479-491 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