Book review: Southern Forested Wetlands: Ecology and Management

Abstract

The southern region has the largest proportion of wetlands in the conterminous US. The majority of that wetland resource is forested by diverse vegetation communities reflecting differences in soil, hydrology, geomorphology, climatic conditions and past management. Wetland resources in the southern US are very important to the economy providing both commodity and non-commodity values. However, past management practices and development have greatly reduced the wetland acreage; accordingly, there is a critical need to sustainably manage the remaining resource. 'Southern Forested Wetlands: Ecology and Management' provides an integrated assessment of the wetland resources, important functions and values, and management. The book is organized into three sections that provide a coherent progression of information. The introductory section contains three chapters which provide the context for the ensuing discussions on wetland functions and ecology. The first chapter characterizes the wetland resource by contrasting the many classification and inventory systems that have been used. The second chapter presents an enlightening discussion on wetland functions and values, and functional assessments that will be useful to anyone conducting assessments of natural resources. The final introductory chapter deals with wetland regulation; it is an excellent primer on the history and current regulatory framework affecting wetland conservation and management.

Citation

Trettin, Carl C. 2000. Book review: Southern Forested Wetlands: Ecology and Management. Ecological Engineering 14 (2000) 310-302