In the Midwest, wetlands can be seen as a nuisance to farmers as they can severely increase production costs. Wetlands are however are a major part of ecology for migratory waterfowl and drainage of these wetlands could have dire consequences on the population of waterfowl as well as other wildlife. Originally published in 1971, this report attempts to break down the economic factors of competition for wetlands in Minnesota and surrounding areas in a policy-relevant way and to suggest new policy alternatives. This title will be of interest to students of Environmental Studies.

In the Midwest, wetlands can be seen as a nuisance to farmers as they can severely increase production costs. Wetlands are however are a major part of ecology for migratory waterfowl and drainage of these wetlands could have dire consequences on the population of waterfowl as well as other wildlife. Originally published in 1971, this report attempts to break down the economic factors of competition for wetlands in Minnesota and surrounding areas in a policy-relevant way and to suggest new policy alternatives. This title will be of interest to students of Environmental Studies.

Where can you find mosses that change landscapes, salamanders with algae in their skin, and carnivorous plants containing whole ecosystems in their furled leaves? Where can you find swamp-trompers, wildlife watchers, marsh managers, and mud-mad scientists? In wetlands, those complex habitats that play such vital ecological roles. In Wading Right In, Catherine Owen Koning and Sharon M. Ashworth take us on a journey into wetlands through stories from the people who wade in the muck. Traveling alongside scientists, explorers, and kids with waders and nets, the authors uncover the inextricably entwined relationships between the water flows, natural chemistry, soils, flora, and fauna of our floodplain forests, fens, bogs, marshes, and mires. Tales of mighty efforts to protect rare orchids, restore salt marshes, and preserve sedge meadows become portals through which we visit major wetland types and discover their secrets, while also learning critical ecological lessons. The United States still loses wetlands at a rate of 13,800 acres per year. Such loss diminishes the water quality of our rivers and lakes, depletes our capacity for flood control, reduces our ability to mitigate climate change, and further impoverishes our biodiversity. Koning and Ashworth’s stories captivate the imagination and inspire the emotional and intellectual connections we need to commit to protecting these magical and mysterious places.