|
|
|
Welcome to the world of wetlands
Wetlands are intriguing
components of the landscape and are the subject of much
regulatory debate, scientific scrutiny, and landowner
concern. Wetlands can be viewed as a source of recreation
and food (duck hunting), a hindrance to development
(regulatory policies), a haven for wildlife, or a scary
place full of snakes and bogeymen. However you view
wetlands, if they occur on you property, you have to deal
with them. |
| |
This module is designed to introduce you to the many facets of
wetlands ecology and management.
The content and many resources within this module can
provide landowners with the knowledge to protect and utilize
wetlands. The goals of this module
are to provide landowners and managers with:
| |
- a basic
appreciation of wetland types, uses, functions,
and values
- a solid
understanding of wetland hydrology, soils, and
vegetation
- an overview of
the ecology and status of different wetland
types
- an
understanding of laws and policies that dictate
the use of wetlands
- ways to
increase the recreational and/or monetary value
of their wetlands.
|
Before you dive into the module and get your feet
wet let’s learn how to navigate through this module. |
| |
|
How to use this site: |
The main topic headings at the top of each page
are listed in the suggested order to follow.
| |
1.
Identification, delineation and, mitigation
2. Status and trends
3. Functions and uses
4. Wetland types
5. Managing your wetlands
6. Laws and policies
7. Economics and recreation |
Click on
one of these topics for more options. Once you have done this,
subtopics will appear on the left-hand navigation bar. These are
also listed in order from top to bottom. Individual pages
often have even more specific topics to choose from. You may return to
this home page at any time by clicking on "HOME." Or you may skip to
one of the main topics by choosing from the list at the top of the page.
|
|
|
When you see this symbol
you may click on the underlined word near it for a more thorough
definition.
|
|
|
|
At the end of most sections
you will find a quiz that is intended for self assessment.
Quizzes are indicated by this turtle or they are listed in
the left-hand navigation bar. You can gauge your
knowledge and understanding of the materials covered in that
section. These assessment tools are meant to provide you
with feedback, no information is recorded.
|
|
|
|
Video clips are placed
throughout the module to provide visual examples of concepts
in the text. |
|
|
|
|
You
may need: |
A high bandwidth internet
connection will allow you to view video clips more easily. When you
click on a video, the link will open in your computers default media
player. If you have trouble, find your media players "help" menu and
"check for updates". Or get free, up to date versions of
RealPlayer or
Windows Media Player here.
In order to view quizzes and animations you
may need to
temporarily allow blocked content. Depending on your web browser,
this can be done by right-clicking on the "blocked content" message
displayed across the top of the screen.
Some supplemental resources are in a pdf
format. If you do not already have Adobe Reader click
here to
download this free program.
Some pages contain flash animations.
If you have trouble viewing them click
here to download the latest version of flash player.
Credits:
This module was developed by
Jim Anderson, Ph.D. and Emily Samargo.
West Virginia University
Division of Forestry & Natural Resources
Jim Anderson is a professor of
wetland and wildlife ecology at West Virginia University. He has
published over 90 papers, many dealing with wetland ecology. Jim
teaches 2 wetland courses and several wildlife management courses.
Emily Samargo is a senior in the wildlife and fisheries resources
program at
WVU. She also has a BFA in graphic design.
Contact Jim Anderson at
[email protected] or
304-293-2941 ext.2445 for more information on wetlands.
We thank the following persons for
their assistance with this module.
| |
Lakshmi
Deepthi Pasupuleti
Flash diagram developmentAnn Anderson and Walter Veselka
Video content and editing
Joe Osbourne
Text development
|
Developed July 2007
|