Wetlands

Paper Summary:

The purpose of this paper is to introduce, discuss, and analyze the topic of environmental science. Specifically it discusses the restoration of wetlands. It looks at how wetlands and their restoration are one of the most important watershed problems facing the environmental scientist today, for a number of compelling reasons. First, over 50 percent of American wetlands have disappeared since the 1850s. Next, they provide vital habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna. Finally, they enhance the environment of the areas surrounding them, and help clear and filter surrounding watersheds. The paper contends that saving and restoring wetlands should be a priority for Americans and the various government agencies that regulate and support the wetlands.

From the Paper:

"Wetlands are uniqueamong watersheds because the native flora and fauna can usually withstand periods of inundation by water, but can also withstand periods of drought or little water. Thus, the inhabitants of wetlands tend to differ greatly from the inhabitants of lakes, where there is a constant water source and rivers and streams, where there is usually a constant, flowing water source. In addition, they "filter drainage water coming off farm- and ranch lands upstream, provide habitat for waterfowl, spawning grounds for endangered fish, and late-season upstream storage for irrigators" (Kittredge 135). Thus, wetlands not only support a variety of unique life, they support the surrounding drainage areas as well, which helps gain approval from farmers, ranchers, and homeowners in some areas near wetlands or proposed restored wetlands."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Kittredge, William. Balancing Water: Restoring the Klamath Basin. Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2000.
• Lewis, William M. Wetlands Explained: Wetland Science, Policy, and Politics in America. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001.
• Schraeder, Harald. "Defining Wetlands." Environmental Health Perspectives 112.10 (2004): 541.
• Tibbetts, John. "Louisiana's Wetlands: A Lesson in Nature Appreciation." Environmental Health Perspectives 114.1 (2006): 40+.

More papers on Wetlands:

• Research Paper # 122545 : "Wetlands"
• Term Paper # 130173 : "Louisiana Wetlands"
• Analytical Essay # 135790 : "Spadina Wetlands"

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