"Wetlands" has become a hot word in the current environmental debate. But what does it signify? In 1991, proposed changes in the legal definities of wetlands stirred controversy and focused attention on the scientific and economic aspects of their management. This volume explores how to define wetlands. The committee--whose members were drawn from academia, government, business, and the environmental community--builds a rational, scientific basis for delineating wetlands in the landscape and offers recommendations for further action. Wetlands also discusses the diverse hydrological and ecological functions of wetlands, and makes recommendations concerning so-called controversial areas such as permafrost wetlands, riparian ecosystems, irregularly flooded sites, and agricultural wetlands. It presents criteria for identifying wetlands and explores the problems of applying those criteria when there are seasonal changes in water levels. This comprehensive and practical volume will be of interest to environmental scientists and advocates, hydrologists, policymakers, regulators, faculty, researchers, and students of environmental studies.

Wetlands are a valuable natural resource, yet over 200,000 acres are destroyed in the United States per year. This book examines whether states should assume the role of protecting wetlands rather than the federal government.

In an era of vanishing wetlands, the Watsonville Sloughs, one of the largest fresh water wetlands in the California Coastal region, lie nearly hidden in Santa Cruz County within sight of the Monterey Bay. This series of essays by Jerry Busch brings to light the mysteries and beauties of the slough habitats and the wild creatures that live there. Woodcuts by Andrea Rich and photographs by Gypsy P. Ray, Frank Maxey, Virginia Newton, Edison Rosser, Victor Schiffren and Carol Whitehill further highlight the richness of this area. Watching the Watsonville Wetlands takes the reader on an armchair tour of these sloughs. The nature essays are enhanced by Gary Kittleson's description of the sloughs' geological evolution, and Christine Johnson-Lyon's rich cultural/social history of the area. Complete with maps and species list, this book encourages the reader to discover this rare treasure firsthand. Jerry Busch and the Watsonville Wetlands Watch have revealed to us a hidden and wonderful world in the overlooked Watsonville sloughs. This book will, at once, serve as a great introduction and a motivation for visiting the subtle splendor of the wet world west of Watsonville. Book jacket.