Director, J. P. (2021, August 16). U.S. Government Declares Water Delivery Reductions to Southwestern States as Climate Change Devastates Colorado River. Retrieved August 22, 2021, from https://www.audubon.org/news/us-government-declares-water-delivery-reductions-southwestern-states-climate

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced that 2022 will bring water shortages to Arizona, the Republic of Mexico, and Nevada. The announcement also included that the Colorado River’s reservoirs are continuing to decline because of wetland depletion and longer dry seasons. Climate change scientists do not think there will be an end to the water supply decline. The article addresses worries about the future: will short-term solutions be enough? How long until fossil groundwater and reservoirs will run out? Long-term solutions are needed to restore wetlands and improve forest health, or else problems will only get bigger, faster.

This article makes a good point about moving towards the future. The U.S. will need to stop relying on short-term solutions for large-scale problems. Long-term solutions will need to be developed. Even though this article isn’t directly about wetland restoration, it is necessary for solving a problem like the one described. If the nation works harder towards restoring wetlands, larger catastrophes like running out of water in certain areas can be slowed down or avoided for many more years.

Lewis, C. (2021, August 08). Depleted wetlands impact freshwater turtles in Toronto: Great Lakes Echo. Retrieved August 21, 2021, from https://greatlakesecho.org/2021/08/09/depleted-wetlands-impact-freshwater-turtles-in-toronto/

This article addresses the effects of wetland depletion on turtles in Toronto. It refers to a study that was done to assess the turtle communities around the wetlands of Lake Ontario. 85% of wetlands are gone from around the lake, and the invasive species-filled habitats are much less suitable for wildlife than they once were. For the study, 500 turtles from 4 native and 3 nonnative species were assessed using the capture-mark-recapture method. There were many more adults than juveniles, which were dying before reaching adulthood. Because of habitat loss and human threats, freshwater turtles are at risk.

This article was very interesting because if there will be fewer turtles because of wetland loss, then other species are also majorly affected. The study reminded me that everything that happens to habitats also affects the wildlife living inside them and that could affect humans as well since we depend on them. This net of reactions is very important to keep in mind because it shows how much humans are changing the world for the worse.

May 14, 2. J. (2021, May 14). President’s Conservation Plan: Making It Happen for Wetlands. Retrieved August 21, 2021, from https://www.nrdc.org/experts/jon-devine/presidents-conservation-plan-making-it-happen-wetlands

This article talks about and analyzes a report made by the Biden-Harris administration: Biden-Harris Administration Outlines “America the Beautiful” Initiative. It summarizes the report and lists what it is trying to accomplish. They are trying to conserve 30% of natural resources by 2030. This goal is known as 30 by 30. Biden plans to undo Trump’s Dirty Water Rule which reduces wetlands by tens of millions of acres. The article also addresses the Clean Water Act made by the EPA that would further support wetland conservation and restoration and would improve watersheds.

I think the president’s new initiative is going in the correct direction by wanting to conserve wetlands. But I am wondering what is currently being done to move towards the goal since 2030 isn’t very far away. This article shed light on the solutions needed to happen to stop the depletion of wetlands and other natural resources. I hope that the government will try to conserve natural resources more seriously to slow down the Tragedy of the Commons.

Bissland, E. (2021, February 07). The ecologists who bought A 1,000-acre plantation and restored it to wetlands. Retrieved February 15, 2021, from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-02-07/walker-swamp-blue-gum-plantation-transformed-back-to-wetlands/13110128 

After 8 or so years of restoration efforts, a group of ecologists in Australia successfully converted a blue gum tree plantation back into its original form as a wetland. Starting in 2013, Mark Bachman and his team of scientists bought a 1,000 acre plot of land. It used to be a full-on wetlands area until the 1950s, when it was partially drained for grazing. Over the next couple of decades, the remaining water was drained for other purposes, leaving a wasteland fit for a monoculture plantation. Through hard work and dedication, Bachman was able to restore the entire plot of land. Within the first two years, they saw local species return. Now, the wetlands are home to over 600 species of birds, plants, amphibians, and many other animals. 

Large-scale restorations such as this one are so important. Their efforts resulted in a thriving ecosystem, now home to an overabundance of species. It is frustrating to think about how little was known about the environment in the past, or how little the environment was thought about when making such impactful decisions, like completely draining a wetland for cattle and other animals to graze. Today we have so much more information at hand, which regularly helps us connect on a deeper level with our surrounding environment. We now understand how great an impact it makes when we destroy a part of an ecosystem; how many animals we displace and how many habitats we destroy. It is vital that we take the environment into consideration whenever we make decisions about the environment itself. Bachman’s story is also vital in showing others that there still is hope for restoring broken ecosystems, no matter how long they’ve been left in disrepair. Hopefully, others will see their story and attempt their own restoration projects, wetlands or otherwise.

Guyn, K. (2021, January 28). Saving wetlands is a resolution Canada must keep. Retrieved February 15, 2021, from https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2021/01/28/2165661/0/en/Saving-wetlands-is-a-resolution-Canada-must-keep.html 

Conserving and restoring Canada’s wetlands is something that many Canadians are pushing for in 2021. As the world celebrates World Wetlands Day this year, on February 2nd, Ducks Unlimited Canada decided to commit more time and resources to their wetlands, arguing their great importance for biodiversity, sequestering carbon, and even its positive effects on Canada’s economy. For every dollar invested in restoring or conserving wetlands, they argue, society regains 22 dollars due to ecotourism and all of the jobs created from restoration projects. No matter the reason, wetlands are such an important part of Canada’s environment that they should be protected at all costs.

World Wetlands Day is a fantastic idea to spread awareness about wetlands around the world and their positive impacts on the environment. Though the day has already passed, it is good to see that there still have been attempts at keeping the momentum going and rallying up people to pay more attention to their local ecosystems. Using great educational material, like that on sequestering carbon and biodiversity, is a surefire way to get more people involved. I always love to see topics I have recently learned about in real-world applications. The logic behind the economic benefits is sound, in fact, it very much makes sense. Restoring wetland areas takes a lot of work — from getting rid of invasive species to creating new pathways for the water to flow. So many jobs are created to complete all of that work and create a beautiful environment that generates tons of ecotourism. But, money shouldn’t be the only reason that wetlands and other habitats are restored. Keeping the earth surviving and thriving for future generations and mitigating the effects of climate change are a couple of other reasons why restoration projects should continue full steam ahead. Though I am glad that wetlands are becoming more of an environmental priority.

Porter, D. (2021, January 29). World wetlands day – restoring a globally important habitat near Fochabers. Retrieved February 15, 2021, from https://www.grampianonline.co.uk/news/world-wetlands-day-restoring-a-globally-important-habitat-near-fochabers-226421/?cmpredirect 

Scotland has once again recognized the importance of wetlands in recent years. Around 23 percent of Scotland’s land area is covered by blanket bogs, another type of wetland. These wetlands would usually host a variety of bird species, from the Greenshank to the Black grouse. Many other species of plants and animals could be found there, except now it’s harder to find them, due to the routine draining and plowing of the area. Before it was common knowledge that wetlands are a great carbon sink, people used to disturb the natural land to plant trees and the like, creating carbon sources. Now, Scotland has committed to reversing all the damage and restoring its wetlands. The Forestry and Land Scotland hope to complete their restorations by March 2021. 

Blanket bogs are another form of peatlands, which are just another type of wetlands with all of the same benefits, if not more. Many countries around the world host their own special kinds of wetlands or marshlands; blanket bogs are specific to the maritime climates of Scotland. Though these wetlands have the same environmental benefits as the many other types, this one hosts specific species of birds and plants, further highlighting the importance of the area. Ignorance and misinformation of our environment are really what caused these wetlands to go into disrepair, and I’m glad that new information and knowledge is what is bringing it back. To think that 20 or so years ago people were completely destroying these wetlands for their own benefit is somewhat unfathomable. Fortunately, people have stopped doing such things and have been actively working to mitigate the effects of their harmful behaviors. It is also good to see how far this information has spread, like how just recently we learned about carbon sources, sinks, and sequestration, as well as the real-world applications of our learning.

Henry, C. (2021, February 10). Jamaicans encouraged to protect wetlands. Retrieved February 15, 2021, from https://jis.gov.jm/jamaicans-encouraged-to-protect-wetlands/ 

Jamaica is doing its part in restoring its wetlands; the Natural History Museum of Jamaica recently called on citizens to join in the efforts to restore the local wildlife areas. A spokesperson for the museum recently talked about the Mason River Protected Area and the new restoration projects taking place at the Wetlands Awareness Virtual Engagement, one conference of many on the subject of wetlands. Unfortunately, many of the native plant species that made up the fragile Mason River area were overrun by invasive species. On top of that, locals have not been treating the area well enough — there have been reports of excess littering as well as the use of fertilizers and pesticides on the native species. They urged citizens to stop environmentally damaging behaviors and take better care of their surroundings. 

The Mason River Protected Area is the only peat bog in Jamaica, which highlights the importance of keeping it as pristine as can be. A peat bog is a type of wetland, prone to the accumulation of peat and other dead plant material. The term “wetlands” really is an umbrella term for this specific type of ecosystem, home to so many diverse species of plants and animals. Around the world there are so many different kinds of wetlands. It is impressive to see how much just one type of wetland impacts its surrounding area in a positive light. It is also refreshing to see an entire country take on the mission of restoring its local habitats. That doesn’t happen every day. The solutions to the restoration were simple as well; the local citizens just have to stop polluting the wetlands with trash and unnatural substances (i.e. synthetic fertilizers). Once more people are educated on the topic of their environment, it seems like they will want to take better care of it. Hopefully Jamaica will be successful in its attempts at grabbing local attention to its one and only inland peat bog.

WWF. (2021, February 02). World wetlands Day 2021: The LIVING DANUBE Partnership Bringing wetlands back to life IN garla mare. Retrieved February 15, 2021, from https://www.eubusiness.com/Members/WWF/world-wetlands-day-2021 

The Garla Mare wetlands in Romania have long since been neglected. A recent project of restoration will hopefully bring back the wetlands ecosystem via the Danube river. Work has already been done to restore the area, starting with several small ponds to initially restore wildlife and create open water surfaces. Some species have returned and made their homes in those ponds. The project is set to be completed at the end of 2021 and will have restored the water retention capacity of the wetland to its normal levels. This restoration is one of many started by the Living Danube Partnership, backed by Coca-Cola, which aims to restore over 53 kilometers of wetland habitat. 

Wetlands are found all over the world, from California to Romania, and are equally important wherever they may be. Though they have different locations, their benefits to the environment are the same. Wetlands prevent flooding and erosion, provide homes for many species, promote biodiversity, and also help generate ecotourism. Projects like these are very important and beneficial, as they restore a wetlands capability to service the environment. I find it interesting that Coca-Cola is in a partnership with the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (the second partner of the Living Danube Partnership). Their motives are undetermined, and looking at their past of wreaking havoc on local habitats via plastic pollution, I’m not sure how trustworthy they are. But, the company does seem to be giving back through restoring the Garla Mare wetlands. In the article, the author mentioned how quickly the habitat was coming alive again, even after a couple of months. It is very exciting to see progress so soon, it gives a good example as to how simple it can be to restore our environment. Hopefully this restoration will inspire others to start or continue on with their own restoration projects, or even get people to start cleaning up their local wildlife spots and restoring natural habitats.

Writer, M. (2020, May 22). ‘We’re screwed’: The only question is how quickly Louisiana wetlands will vanish, study says. Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://www.nola.com/news/environment/article_577f61aa-9c26-11ea-8800-0707002d333a.html

In this article, the author refers to a published peer-reviewed study in the journal, Science Advances. In said study, they claim that the remaining Louisiana wetlands will disappear due to global climate change, which is causing sea levels to rise at an alarming rate. The main question, though, is how long it will take for the Louisiana wetlands to completely disappear. Currently the wetlands are keeping up with the rising sea levels, continuing to grow. Some say that the disappearance won’t happen for another century or so, but others disagree. Louisiana has already addressed this problem and is working on a 2023 master plan to save their precious wetlands. 

It is very disheartening to hear that some of the most fundamental wetlands will disappear, in whatever time frame it might take if we don’t stop it. Without the wetlands there to mitigate flooding, Louisiana faces the problem of increasing shore lines. The amount of loss caused by the lack of wetlands would be detrimental as well. Wetlands are home to so many species, both flora and fauna. Without it there, some species face the risk of extinction, if they aren’t able to adapt to the changes or seek shelter in another habitat. It saddens me to think that we, as humans, are causing this. We have known about the effects of Global Warming for years, yet not too much has been done to combat it. It is good to see, though, that Louisiana has some semblance of a plan for the future. If the Louisiana wetlands do go under, what habitat is next?

Klemek, B. (2020, September 28). Minnesota Outdoors:  Blane Klemek on degraded wetlands. Retrieved November 16, 2020, from https://www.crookstontimes.com/story/sports/outdoors/2020/09/28/minnesota-outdoors-blane-klemek-degraded-wetlands/3563006001/

Blane Klemek, a man from Minnesota, recounts his own story of restoring his backyard wetlands. There were two small-scale wetlands in his backyard, destroyed by the previous owners. They had dug a rather large ditch throughout both of them, effectively draining out all the water. Seeing the ecosystem in such disrepair, Klemek set to work, receiving help from the United States Fish and Wildlife service. About a week after the restoration had been completed, water slowly came back to the wetlands, and so did the water fowl. From then on, Klemek’s backyard has been a blossoming ecosystem, home to many plants and animals.

Compared to the earlier articles, this one is wholesome and heartwarming. It gives proof to the point that an ecosystem can be revived, even to the point where it begins to thrive. It is important for even the smallest of wetland areas to continue on, as they contribute to many ecological services as well as the benefits they contain. It is surprising, though, how quick the restoration took and how short of a time it was until birds began to return. It makes me wonder; if this much effort was put into larger restoration processes, would those wetland ecosystems bounce back as quickly? Take the Deepwater Horizon oil spill for instance. If the allotted funds were actually used for the restoration effort, and if the state made it their number one priority, how long would it take until the ecosystems came back and the wetlands restored? Maybe since this wetland is very small compared to coastal wetlands, it was easier to regenerate. But, overall, this article is evidence as to why we should continue with our wetlands restoration efforts.