Assessing the Barriers to and Potential for Wetland Restoration in Agricultural Watersheds

Document
Description
Minnesota has lost the majority of its wetlands to settlement, agricultural activities, federal policies that encouraged drainage, and early negative public opinion of wetlands. During the past 30 years, the desire to preserve and restore wetlands has grown as society has increasingly realized the many ecological, hydrological, aesthetic, and recreational benefits wetlands provide. Even in light of this desire, wetland restoration has proven problematic because of conflicting land uses and values, lack of funding and resources, and inefficient and inconsistent federal and state programs. Local communities have attempted to overcome these problems by taking a more active role in wetland restoration. This article examines the availability of programs that facilitate the restoration of wetlands and assesses the barriers to adoption of these programs. The research on which this article is based was supported in part by a grant from CURA's Faculty Interactive Research Program.
Date Issued
2007
Number of Pages
10
Decade
Associated Organization
Rights Holder
Minnesota Water Research Digital Library
Rights Management
Public Domain