ENVC 327 - Advanced Wetland Ecology

Credits: 5
Variable Credit Course: No

Lecture Hours: 44
Lab Hours: 22
Worksite/Clinical Hours: 0
Other Hours (LIA/Internships): 0

Course Description: Covers wetland hydrology, biogeochemistry, and biological adaptations to wetland conditions. Including global wetland issues, wetlands and climate change, international management of wetlands, and human interface with wetland in different socio-economic settings. Also includes wetland delineation and wetland rating.

Prerequisite: Admission to BASEC or Department Chair permission.
Meets FQE Requirement: No
Integrative Experience Requirement: No

Student Learning Outcomes

Describe current and historic policies and regulations that influence wetland management.
Classify a wetland within North America including successional development.
Quantify critical biogeochemical parameters of wetlands including water quality.
Quantify ecosystem processes that shape characteristics of coastal and inland wetlands at various trophic levels.
Develop a wetland restoration plan.
Conduct wetland delineation using the Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation procedures.
Use Washington’s wetland rating system to determine ecological and societal value of a specific wetland area.

Course Contents

Wetland history, science and management.
Wetland definitions.
Wetland types and wetland resources of North America.
Hydrology of wetlands.
Biogeochemistry of wetlands.
Biological adaptations to the wetland environment.
Wetland ecosystem development.
Coastal wetland ecosystems.
Inland wetland ecosystems.
Values and valuation of wetlands.
Wetland management and protection.
Wetland creation and restoration.
Classification of wetlands.
Competing landuse values and wetland restoration and conservation.
Amphibian use of wetlands at different developmental stages.
Quantify wildlife habitat by Cowardin classes.

Instructional Units: 5.5