NSCI209 Wetlands Science and Policy 3CR

This course is intended as a rational approach to wetland conservation balanced with responsible development. People need to live somewhere and to draw water from somewhere. But wetlands serve many vital functions and oftentimes are highly valuable ecosystems that should be protected. In the course, students gain an interdisciplinary knowledge of wetland definitions, classification systems, origins, and natural processes of wetland environments. We discuss wetlands across the globe, including boreal, temperate, and tropical climates. We investigate hydrology, soils, and vegetation and their relationship to ecosystem processes, societal values, and management. We examine human use, modification, exploitation, jurisdictional delineation, and management options, along with legal and political aspects of wetlands. This is a broad course, also encompassing forestry, coastal management, energy, climate change, agriculture, history, and ecosystem succession. We will attempt four optional field trips, weather permitting, in our field experience weekend.

Prerequisites: FRSM-100

Lecture

Spring