Determining the Cumulative Effects of Forested Wetlands: EPA's (Environmental Protection Agency's) Research Program, and Choices for Research and Monitoring Designs

摘要

The cumulative impacts component of EPA's wetlands research arises from a concern that many individual permit applications for wetland alteration involve seemingly minimal change, yet collectively their impact may be significant. Numerous studies have documented the potential benefits of individual, natural wetlands for passively performing landscape functions, such as water purification, maintenance of desirable streamflow regimes, and habitat. However, the cumulative (or regional) effects on these functions of landscapes dominated by forested wetlands (as opposed to those dominated by other natural cover types) have received only limited attention. EPA's interest in these topics in not merely academic; it is strongly oriented toward providing accurate technical information necessary for an effective regulatory program.