Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Incorporating Science-Based Approaches Into The Rapid Assessment Of Wetlands And Streams : Validation, Restoration Trajectory, And Method Development, Jacob Franklin Berkowitz

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Human alterations within wetlands and streams have resulted in a decrease in ecological functions and associated benefits to society. The scientific literature highlights the functional benefits provided by ecosystems including flood protection, nutrient cycling, and habitat maintenance. Additionally, legislation and regulatory policy require mitigation and restoration as compensation for declines in ecological functions. As a result, the need for practical, repeatable, and technically sound ecosystem assessment methods remains essential to natural resource management. However, few studies determine the validity of rapid assessment approaches by applying quantitative parameters, especially with respect to biogeochemical functions. We assessed biogeochemical functions applied to restored …