Surveys and Investigations Projects: Evaluation of the Role of Managed versus Unmanaged Wetlands and the Agricultural Landscape in the Missouri River Floodplain. Job 2: Evaluation of the Role of Intensively Managed vs. Passively Managed and Unmanaged Agr

摘要

Seasonal wetlands provide important habitat for a variety of wetland dependent species, including many water birds. In particular, seasonal wetlands in migration areas are used by waterfowl, shorebirds and wading birds. Extensive wetland losses have occurred throughout the United States, primarily as a result of conversion to agriculture (Dahl 1990). Seasonal wetlands have been lost at an especially high rate because of their ease of conversion. Missouri lost 87% of its estimated 1.96 million hectares of original wetland habitat (Dahl 1990). In Missouri, a wide range of wetlands, including seasonal wetlands, were abundant historically on floodplains. Intensive management has long been utilized to predictably provide wetland resources for wildlife on relatively small publicly owned parcels to compensate for broad scale habitat losses. Considerable money and effort are expended in the development and operation of intensively managed wetlands. Enhanced understanding of how water birds utilize wetland resources contributes to management success.