Ecology

Constructed Wetlands in the Sustainable Landscape by Craig S. Campbell; Michael Ogden LandscapeConstructed wetlands are gaining worldwide acceptance as effective, low-cost, and low-impact alternatives to unsightly, high-impact wastewater treatment facilities. The creative involvement of today′s planners, landscape architects, developers, environmental engineers, and public officials is helping to maximize the potential of these wetland habitats--from their aesthetics to their multiple uses as water treatment plants, wildlife refuges, and recreational or educational facilities. Yet, to date, the literature has paid no attention to these aspects, focusing instead on the technical side of wetlands construction and function.<br /> <br /> Constructed Wetlands in the Sustainable Landscape is the first book to integrate aesthetic design and planning issues with the technical aspects of wetlands engineering. Renowned landscape architect Craig S. Campbell and engineer Michael H. Ogden clearly demonstrate how the successful development and management of multifunctional, sustainable wetland habitats depend on harnessing the knowledge and working principles of a number of disciplines. Richly illustrated with real-world case studies, the book: <br /> ∗ Covers the concept of sustainable development and the nature of wetland processes. <br /> ∗ Discusses designs for new and existing municipal and small community wastewater treatment facilities. <br /> ∗ Contains examples of on-site planning for, and management of, stormwater renovation, single-family residential systems, and multiple-use systems. <br /> ∗ Examines landscape engineering and planning for ponds, urban wildlife, and ecological art.<br /> <br /> Clearly written and accessible to nonengineers and nonscientists, Constructed Wetlands in the Sustainable Landscape is a crucial guide for landscape architects, environmental engineers, planners, developers, and others responsible for the design and management of our built environment.

Wetland and Water Resource Modeling and Assessment: a watershed perspective by Wei Ji (Editor) As a wetland of international importance located in China, the Poyang Lake Basin's incredible topographical and biological diversity has provided a congregating point for scientists from around the world to engage in cross-disciplinary research. In particular, the International Conference on Poyang Lake Complex Environment System was instrumental in bringing together scholars from China, North America, and Europe to explore the latest innovations in water resource science and watershed management. Featuring cutting-edge research in watershed management presented at this landmark event, Wetland and Water Resource Modeling Assessment pairs the accounts of Poyang Lake with additional information on the important watersheds of North America and Asia to help facilitate the development of decision support tools. The book explains that successful ecosystem assessment and modeling requires three key criteria: 1. Large spatial scales in data collection and analysis must be used to encompass major watershed features 2. Landscape features are needed to appropriately characterize hydrological processes and ecosystem components 3. Management decisions must be linked to results to facilitate ecosystem assessment Through the study of the diverse watersheds featured in Wetland and Water Resource Modeling Assessment, such as Poyang Lake, government, academia, and Industry can obtain the innovative technical tools needed to stay on top of this active field.

Wetland Habitats of North America: ecology and conservation concerns by Darold P. Batzer (Editor); Andrew H. Baldwin (Editor); Andrew Baldwin (Editor) Wetlands are prominent landscapes throughout North America. The general characteristics of wetlands are controversial, thus there has not been a systematic assessment of different types of wetlands in different parts of North America, or a compendium of the threats to their conservation. Wetland Habitats of North America adopts a geographic and habitat approach, in which experts familiar with wetlands from across North America provide analyses and syntheses of their particular region of study. Addressing a broad audience of students, scientists, engineers, environmental managers, and policy makers, this book reviews recent, scientifically rigorous literature directly relevant to understanding, managing, protecting, and restoring wetland ecosystems of North America.

Wetland Indicators by Ralph W. Tiner Understand the current concept of wetland and methods for identifying, describing, classifying, and delineating wetlands in the United States with Wetland Indicators - capturing the current state of science's role in wetland recognition and mapping. Environmental scientists and others involved with wetland regulations can strengthen their knowledge about wetlands, and the use of various indicators, to support their decisions on difficult wetland determinations. Professor Tiner primarily focuses on plants, soils, and other signs of wetland hydrology in the soil, or on the surface of wetlands in his discussion of Wetland Indicators. Practicing - and aspiring - wetland delineators alike will appreciate Wetland Indicators' critical insight into the development and significance of hydrophytic vegetation, hydric soils, and other factors. Features Shows 55 color plates, documenting wetland indicators throughout the nation - with more than 34 soil plates and aerial photos Illustrates other wetland properties with more than 50 figures Provides over 60 tables, including extensive tables of U.S. wetland plant communities and examples for determining hydrophytic vegetation Contents Wetland Definitions Wetland Concepts for Identification and Delineation Plant Indicators of Wetlands and Their Characteristics Vegetation Sampling and Analysis for Wetlands Soil Indicators of Wetlands Wetland Identification and Boundary Delineation Methods Problem Wetlands and Field Situations for Delineation Wetland Classification Wetlands of the United States: An Introduction, With Emphasis on Their Plant Communities Wetland Mapping and Photointerpretation

Wetland Plants: Biology and ecology by Julie K. Cronk; M. Siobhan Fennessy A detailed account of the biology and ecology of vascular wetland plants and their applications in wetland plant science, Wetland Plants: Biology and Ecology presents a synthesis of wetland plant studies and reviews from biology, physiology, evolution, genetics, community and population ecology, environmental science, and engineering. It provides a thorough discussion of the range of wetland plants adaptations to conditions such as life in water or saturated soils, high salt or high sulfur, as well as low light and low carbon dioxide levels. The authors include the latest research on the development of plant communities in newly restored or created wetlands and on the use of wetland plants as indicators of ecological integrity and of wetland boundaries. Over 140 figures, including over 70 original photographs, allow you to visualize the concepts, 40 tables give you easy access to definitions and data, and international examples provide you with a broad base of information. The growing consensus in wetlands literature and research suggests that methods are needed to assess the ecological health or integrity of wetlands, to set goals for wetland restoration, and to track the status and trends of wetlands. Wetland plants are emerging as important indicators, and becoming an important part of this research. Wetland Plants: Biology and Ecology contains up-to-date information on this increasingly important area in wetlands technology.

Wetlands by James Fargo Balliett Wetlands encompass a diversity of habitats that rely on the presence of water to survive. Over the last two centuries, these hard-to-reach areas have been viewed with disdain or eliminated by a public that saw them only as dangerous and worthless lowlands. This book tracks changing perceptions of one of the world's richest and biologically productive biomes and efforts that have been undertaken to protect many areas. With land development resulting in the loss of more than half of the world's wetlands, significant efforts are now under way to protect the remaining 5 million square miles. The author describes three noteworthy examples which demonstrate the resilience of wetland plants and animals and their ability to rebound from human-induced pressures. In Central Asia, the Aral Sea and its adjacent wetlands show promising regrowth, in part because of massive hydrology projects being implemented to undo years of damage to the area. The Everglades wetlands complex, spanning the lower one-third of Florida, is slowly reviving as conservation measures are implemented. Finally it is shown how Lake Poyang in southeastern China has experienced increased ecological health as a result of better resource management and community education programs focused on the vital role that wetlands play in a healthy environment.

Wetlands Explained : wetland science, policy, and politics in America by William M. Lewis This work combines a broad scientific and sociopolitical view of US wetlands for a wide audience of students and professionals concerned with basic or applied ecology, environmental conservation and policy. Wetland science is a rapidly evolving branch of ecosystem science and wetland regulation is increasingly central to conservation policy.; Regulatory initiatives frequently raise unanswered questions, while scientific study supports or calls into question regulatory practice, which occurs in an environment of intense public scrutiny. This primer lays out the science and policy considerations in a format accessible and useful to all who would be involved in wetland ecology, and the book would also serve as a supplementary text for courses on conservation biology, wetlands or environmental policy.