In this time of concern over wetlands, many groups have compelling reasons to identify and delineate wetlands. Financial institutions use environmental evaluation as a part of their loan decisions. Civil engineers must plan sites without disturbing existing wetlands. Conservation groups wish to identify valuable wetlands for preserves or parks. Local and state governments need wetlands assessments for management and planning of existing and future public lands. And the Federal government has mandated that wetlands receive more attention. As our understanding of wetlands functions increases, the ability to identify and delineate them becomes even more critical. Practical Handbook for Wetland Identification and Delineation defines wetlands, describes their functions, and presents a variety of methods used to assess the extent of wetlands. Easy-to-use, it offers solutions to real-world problems and covers important subjects such as methods for identifying and delineating wetland boundaries, evaluating wetlands using aerial photography, indicators of hydrological, chemical, and biological processes, soil surveys, and plant measurements. The book also discusses methodological approaches to optimizing wetland delineation and permitting. The focus on wetlands by the Federal government has resulted in more stringent oversight by the U.S. Army Core of Engineers (USACE). This new level of federal oversight has underlined the lack of general knowledge related to regulatory requirements. Project delay and work interruptions are real, potential problems for landowners. Practical Handbook for Wetlands Identification and Delineation presents the strategies and methods for making wetlands identifications and delineations that meet federal requirements.

Wetland identification, although theoretically straightforward, is not cut and dry as a practice. Despite the time and expense, it is an economic and environmental necessity. The Definitive Guide to the Practice of Wetland IdentificationThe second edition of the bestselling Practical Handbook for Wetland Identification and Delineation offers soluti

"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.

Wetland identification, although theoretically straightforward, is not cut and dry as a practice. Despite the time and expense, it is an economic and environmental necessity. The Definitive Guide to the Practice of Wetland Identification The second edition of the bestselling Practical Handbook for Wetland Identification and Delineation offers solutions to real-world problems in the scientific and regulatory aspects of wetlands. The authors present characteristics and indicators of wetlands that are the focus of the jurisdictional issue, and discuss strategies and methods for making wetland identifications and delineations that meet federal requirements. What’s new in the Second Edition: Coverage of increased options for scientific evaluation of problematic areas More details on definition of wetlands, description of their functions, and delineation methods used to assess their extent Lay examination of legal questions, regulatory/permitting requirements, statutes, and other guidance Information on the latest techniques for conducting wetland evaluations Exploration of advances in mapping, surveying and remote sensing technologies Although the most basic delineation methods and procedures have not changed since the first edition, the availability and power of advanced mapping, remote sensing and surveying technologies have advanced the science. Low and higher altitude aerial imagery, geographic information system (GIS) databases, easily accessible land cover maps, and fine resolution satellite data are just a few of the resources available. In spite of these advances, it is still difficult to find practical directions on how to gather needed data in the literature. Updated and revised to reflect changes in the science and technology, the second edition brings together technical criteria, field indicators, and vital regional information in clear language and focused practical utility.