Hello Andy,
I think the question should be about the quality of the wetlands that are being
replaced. Wetlands that are created as a result of roads or other engineered
surfaces are not equal to a natural wetland as far as habitat value is
concerned. One could do an analysis of the wetland that is to be displaced by
breaching the dam to see if the quality of the habitat that will be lost is
equal, less than or greater than the habitat that will be enhanced by breaching
the dam. You could consider the quantity and diversity of the species that
benefit from each habitat type. You could even look at ecological services
being provided by the wetlands versus what will be gained by breaching the dam.
I hope that helps you get at the essence of the argument.
Sharif> Date: Wed, 9 Apr 2008 12:50:53 -0400> From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject:
[ECOLOG-L] wetland acreage> To: [email protected]> > 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
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