Overview of the USDA Mid-Atlantic Regional Wetland Conservation Effects Assessment Project

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of studies conducted under the USDA Mid-Atlantic Regional Wetland Conservation Effects Assessment Project (MIAR study). Under the MIAR effort, numerous studies were conducted to (1) quantify ecosystem functions provided by restored wetlands by comparing functions within depressional nontidal wetlands with a varying degree of alteration (i.e., natural wetlands, restored wetlands, and prior converted croplands [PCCs]) and (2) develop tools for wetland monitoring and assessment. We present these studies after classifying them according to wetland functional (biodiversity, biogeochemical, and hydrologic) and tool development categories (remote sensing, hydrologic modeling, and geospatial analysis). Furthermore, we provide lessons from the MIAR study’s findings for enhanced wetland conservation practices. Our overview demonstrates that restoration of wetlands contributes to enhancing wetland biodiversity, biogeochemical, and hydrologic functions in the Mid-Atlantic Region. Wetland monitoring tools that were developed as part of this study aid our understanding of wetland functions and the effect of restoration on those functions. Findings from these studies suggest that it is important to (1) establish long-term restoration plans; (2) minimize soil compaction during restoration; (3) increase wetland water storage capacity; (4) locate restored wetlands around natural wetlands to magnify restoration effects and improve water quality management; (5) consider the importance of shallow water and topography for supporting native plant species; (6) use landscape parameters for targeting and implementing restoration efforts; and (7) use wetland monitoring tools for precision management. This MIAR study provides scientific data to support wetland restoration activities and guidelines to foster the restoration of wetland-mediated ecosystem services.