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WETLAND NEWS
ASWM ~ Dedicated to the protection and restoration of the Nation’s wetlands
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Board of Directors
David Davis, Chair
Alan Quackenbush, Vice Chair
Mark Biddle, Secretary/Treasurer
Collis Adams
Richard Gitar
Amy Lounds
Maryann McGraw
Erik Stockdale
f
Jeanne Christie, Executive Director
Jon Kusler, Esq. PhD., Founder
Peg Bostwick, Senior Policy Analyst
In this Issue:
Inside this issue:
Association News
Association
News Adaptation
Climate Change
Wetland
Mapping
Plan for
Michigan Wetlands
401
Cert
Best
Practices
Coming Home
to North
LLWW Augusta’s
Mapping Descriptors
Wetlands
Welcome New Members
Vol. 23 No. 1
Winter 2013
Association News by Jeanne Christie,
Executive Director, ASWM
It has been a fierce winter for many parts of the country
including southern Maine. The blizzard last month
delivered 30 inches of snow to our doorstep. The following
weekend we received another foot. We are prepared
for snow, averaging 50+ inches annually. Our weather,
including snowstorms, can come from the north, west and
south and even, on rare occasions, the east. This makes
the kind of snow we receive highly variable and we have, therefore, developed a
fair amount of expertise on the variability and relative merits of different types of
snow. Snow can fall in classic dendritic patterns, as a combination of snow and
freezing fog, as needles, or sleet, soft hail or rimed snow. It can fall vertically or
blow horizontally—or both. It can rest on the ground as powder, packed snow,
corn snow, slush, snert, surface hoar or Zastugi (snow sculpted into features by
wind)—or some combination thereof. In fact there are so many combinations that
every snowstorm presents a world of new opportunities to experience and explore.
Stay safe, drive carefully, keep warm, and enjoy the last weeks of winter!
Continued on p. 2.
New Publication Summary: Climate Change Adaptation
Plan for Coastal and Inland Wetlands in the State of
Michigan by Peg Bostwick and Jeanne Christie, ASWM
ASWM prepared a white paper for the Michigan Department of Environmental
Quality Wetlands Program and the Coastal Management Program in 2012.
The paper’s strategic recommendations have been outlined in this issue of the
newsletter, summarizing the highlights of the report. The summary begins on p. 4.
Jeanne Christie photo
Coming Home to North Augusta’s Wetlands by Terri Turner
I spend a great deal of time writing and blogging about the community that I work in,
Augusta, Georgia. As a full time planner, floodplain manager and hazard mitigation
specialist for the City of Augusta, I have written articles on their floodplain management
program, their hazard mitigation planning and their sustainability and resiliency
initiatives—all of which they do quite well, I might add. I am proud of their efforts,
especially the time, energy and money they have put into these programs in the past 12
- 15 years, and also their ongoing efforts, which are resulting in a more sustainable and
resilient community. But when I need to get away from the hustle and bustle of my “day
job,” I come home... to North Augusta, South Carolina.
Continued on p.12
2 Wetland News
Association News, continued from p.1
30th Anniversary of ASWM
This year the Association of State Wetland Managers is celebrating
its 30th Anniversary. The organization was formed in the early 1980s
to provide an opportunity for states to talk to one another about the
challenges they were addressing in the respective state programs. We
are still doing that today. In addition ASWM quickly learned that this
dialogue needed to include a much larger group than just the states.
It was also necessary to understand wetlands in the larger context of
watersheds, water quality protection, stakeholder groups and legal and
science issues. Over the years ASWM has addressed many science
and policy issues around wetlands but also a wide range of issues
that include floods, hurricanes and other natural hazard management,
river restoration, climate change, legal decisions, Clean Water Act
jurisdiction and a host of other topics.
How we communicate and share ideas had changed over the years.
Initially there were workshops and proceedings. Conference calls, list
serves, the internet and other innovations have changed and expanded
the opportunities to communicate, share information and listen to
our members. Most recently webinars and the ability to record and share presentations and experiences have
enhanced ASWM’s ability to disseminate information.
Membership in ASWM is open to everyone. We are very glad you are a member of ASWM. Your support is
very important to us.
Budget Issues for 2013
Sequestration with its across-the-board-budget-cuts went into effect March 1 and state environmental agencies
are gathering information to understand what the potential impacts will be on their budgets. On February
14 the U.S. Senate Committee on Appropriations held a Hearing on The Impacts of Sequestration. Water
programs in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that will be impacted by sequestration cuts include
the State Revolving Fund Program (SRF), the Water Program State Implementation Grants, EPA’s water
program implementation, and Hurricane Sandy Appropriations. As anticipated, many of the cuts imposed by
sequestration will be passed onto the states which is to be expected since grants—to states and other entities—
comprise nearly 50% of the agency’s budget. http://www.epa.gov/aboutepa/whatwedo.html In addition EPA
employees are expected to be furloughed for an estimated six days in 2013. A webcast of the hearing as well as
letters and testimony from various federal agencies including EPA about the anticipated impacts of sequestration
may be found here.
On February 15th, the House Subcommittee on Environment and Economy held a hearing on the States’ Role
in Protecting the Environment. Although the committee does not have CWA jurisdiction, it covers other major
environmental laws. Representatives from the Environmental Council of the States, the Groundwater Protection
Council and other state organizations provided testimony. As Teresa Marks, Director of the Environmental
Continued on next page
3
Jeanne Christie photos
Wetland News
Association News, cont’d from p.2
Quality for the State of Arkansas pointed out: States now implement 96.5% of the federal programs that
can be delegated to the states. They conduct over 90% of the environmental inspections, enforcement, and
environmental data collection, and issue a similar amount of all the environmental permits. States supply most
of the funding for the implementation of the delegated federal programs – typically 80% of the actual cost.
And states are concerned about the increasing workload that is asked of the states coming at a time when federal
funding support for states is declining. A webcast of the hearing as well as copies of the testimony submitted
can be found here.
Sequestration kicked in at the beginning of March. At the end of the month the six month Continuing Resolution
for 2013 will expire, requiring Congress to take action on the FY2013 budget. This is leading to a new round of
discussions about appropriate changes to federal and state funding.
You are Invited to ASWM’s Annual State/Tribal/Federal Coordination Workshop,
March 19-21, National Conservation Training Center, Shepherdstown, WV
The purpose of this annual meeting is to support state and tribal wetland program
managers, federal agencies and other wetland professionals as they respond to challenges
in the coming year. Presentations and discussions during the three day workshop will
integrate wetland science, law, and policy to convey proven and effective approaches for
wetland managers.
We have posted our revised agenda here. This meeting is by invitation only. If you would like us to forward an
invitation to another individual or organization that is not a member of ASWM, please let us know. For more
information about the workshop, including registration and hotel reservation information, click here.
We hope you will join us!
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Wetland News
New Publication Summary:
Climate Change Adaptation Plan
for Coastal and Inland Wetlands
in the State of Michigan
f
Jeanne Christie & Peg Bostwick
Michigan’s Commitment to Addressing Climate Change
Climate change is occurring in the Great Lakes region. Between 1968 and 2002 average temperatures
increased 2.3 degrees Fahrenheit. The average annual ice coverage on the Great Lakes declined 72% between
1973 and 2010. The average number of snow days has decreased more than 15 days since 1975. These trends
are expected to continue along with changes in the frequency of intense storms, extended droughts and heat
waves. See fact sheet.
These changes are likely to have a profound impact on the citizens of the State of Michigan, as well as the
state’s natural resources including wildlife, fisheries, wetlands, lakes, streams, rivers, forests and grasslands.
In 2007 Governor Jennifer Granholm signed Executive Order 2007-42 creating the Michigan Climate Action
Council (MCAC) charged with developing a comprehensive climate change action plan focused primarily on
Greenhouse Gas reduction goals, but also addressing actions to adapt to climate change. The Council published
a comprehensive report in March 2009.
The Michigan Climate Coalition includes several
working groups, some of which are focused on
coastal/Great Lakes issues, Inland Waters and
Wildlife/Terrestrial Systems. In March of 2011
Michigan Coastal Management Program, Office
of the Great Lakes, Department of Water Quality
published the “Section 309 Assessment and FiveYear Strategy for Coastal Zone Management
Program Enhancement Fiscal Years 2012-2016,”
which included a chapter on “Climate Change
Adaptation in Coastal Wetland Management.”
Continued on next page
Peg Bostwick photos
The plan supports conservation of natural resources as one of the many goals of the plan.
In November of 2010 the Michigan Climate Coalition was formed through Michigan State University in
collaboration with “Michiganders” interested in climate science, energy efficiency, sustainability and related
disciplines. http://miclimatecoalition.org/index.html
Wetland News
5
Michigan Climate Change Adaptation, continued
Finally, a number of organizations collaborated in the fall of 2011 to host a
Symposium on Wetland Management in Response to Climate Change. Held
in conjunction with the Michigan Wetlands Association Annual Conference
(August 30 – September 2, 2011 at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme,
MI) – the conference brought together over 150 scientists, policy makers,
and agency staff from state, federal, local, and nonprofit organizations in a broad review of wetland and climate
change issues. Highlights included a conference keynote address on wetland adaptations and climate change
in the Great Lakes region by Heather Stirratt – Regional Coordinator for NOAA’s Coastal Services Center.
Heather provided a clear overview of current trends and anticipated impacts of climate change in our region,
and directed those interested to NOAA’s Digital Coast website to access the growing body of information on
climate change and related issues -- http://www.csc.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/.
The symposium agenda built on the keynote address, encouraging increased awareness of effective ways to
integrate climate change adaptation into ongoing wetland management activities. Sessions included Linking
Climate Change to Wetland Management; Habitat Restoration and Protection; and Climate Change and Water
Management. The symposium closed with a Next Steps session that set the stage for this white paper. Speaker
presentations are available on the MWA Conference webpage at http://www.miwetlands.org/. Major symposium
sponsors included the NOAA Coastal Zone Program, Michigan Wetlands Association (MWA), Michigan
Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), and the
Association of State Wetland Managers (ASWM).
Collectively, these actions provide both an opportunity and a framework for developing and implementing
a Climate Change Adaptation Plan for Coastal and Inland Wetlands in the State of Michigan. This report
was developed for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, Wetlands Program and Coastal
Management Program. However, the DEQ has only part of the responsibilities and authorities that will be part
of any comprehensive approach to implementing a climate change adaptation plan for the state’s wetlands.
Carrying out many of the recommendations in this document will require the cooperation, expertise and
active engagement of many other state, local, and regional agencies and groups. Collectively this much larger
partnership will need to review the recommendations in the report and reach agreement on specific actions that
can be taken to ensure that wetland resources are included in broader strategies to address and adapt to climate
change.
Climate Change Impacts on Wetlands and Water Resources
Wetlands – Drops in lake levels, earlier spring runoff, larger floods, and hotter
summers are likely to have negative impacts to wetlands and the species that
depend on them. Wetlands may disappear from this landscape or be altered and
degraded by increased erosion from storm events, alterations in plant and wildlife
composition through appearance of invasive species and human actions. These
changes in biodiversity and wetland structure could lead to a reduction in services
provided by wetlands including flood storage, breeding habitats for birds and
Continued on next page
MI DEQ photo
The changes in climate will have a significant impact on water resources: the
Great Lakes, rivers, streams, lakes, groundwater and inland and coastal wetlands.
Impacts to one type of water resource will often have a ripple effect extending to
other waters as well as other natural resources and Michigan citizens.
6
Wetland News
Michigan Climate Change Adaptation, continued
amphibians, and reduced water filtering and clean-up capacity. These in turn
could lead to degradation of streams, lakes, and rivers where water quality is
supported by the filtering capacity of wetlands. Wetlands exposed by lower
Great Lake levels are likely to be under intense pressure for alteration through
‘beach grooming’ (wetland removal) activities undertaken by lakeshore
owners. Forested wetlands may be affected by more frequent droughts
and fires, and the introduction of new forest pests in response to warmer temperatures and shifts in species
composition as the forest biomes shifts northward.
Great Lakes and inland lakes – Although it is not certain, most models predict that Great Lake levels will fall
between 1 and 3 feet by the end of the century. That is, there is a great deal of certainty among climate change
scientists that temperatures will get warmer. What is less certain is exactly how that change in temperature
will influence precipitation patterns including timing and duration of rainfall and other important factors such
as ice cover and evapotranspiration. Changing temperatures will lead to shifts in fish species, with coldwater
populations decreasing in the southern parts of the Great Lakes while cool and warm-water species increase.
The effects of the transition from cold to warmer water temperatures is likely to have a complex impact on
cold water and niche species. Some species may be trapped and isolated in upper watersheds by warming
thermal barriers. The same barriers already exist in the rivers between the Great Lakes. The St. Clair, Detroit
and St. Mary’s Rivers are all warmer than the Great Lakes. Some fish may move into deeper colder lake
waters. Changes in water temperature are likely to isolate, stress and reduce or even eliminate southern Great
Lake coldwater fish populations over time. Many invasive plant and animal species are likely to become more
numerous either through introduction by man to a ‘friendlier environment’ or migration northward in response
to warmer temperatures. Populations of habitat generalists, those species that are highly adaptable, are also
likely to increase. Summer stratification in lakes may increase leading to more ‘dead zones’ which in turn can
generate toxic algal blooms, bad-tasting drinking water and extensive fish kills.
Groundwater – Drier summers and
lower water levels are likely to reduce
groundwater recharge which will
reduce flow to small streams and some
wetlands. Drops in surface water levels
are likely to increase groundwater
withdrawals for agriculture and other
uses which may lead to the loss of
additional wetlands currently supported
by groundwater. Michigan is already
experiencing increases in the agricultural
irrigation water withdrawals as a result
of the dry, hot summer weather.
Continued on next page
Peg Bostwick photos
Streams and Rivers – Hotter, drier summers will lead to smaller and warmer stream flows. Some streams may
not flow in the summer. Increased flooding may occur in the winter and spring as a result of larger storm events.
Collectively these can lead to erosion, alteration and degradation of stream habitat which will have a negative
impact on fish and invertebrates. Streams will become flashier and more unstable, and many channels may
move on the landscape, as a result.
Michigan Climate Change Adaptation, continued
Wetland News 7
Wetlands as a tool to address the problems created by
greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to climate change
Many wetlands and other water resources are likely to be negatively
affected by climate change. So are terrestrial systems. Land uses
such as agriculture, infrastructure for communities and recreational
opportunities are also likely to see a negative impact. However
wetlands also have enormous potential for reducing climate related
impacts to agriculture, infrastructure, recreation and other highly
valued sources of commerce if they are managed, restored and
leveraged in ways that complement these activities. The goal must be to protect the surface and groundwater
resources needed for farming practices, human infrastructure, and recreational activities, and reduce risks in the
process. Wetlands perform many important ecosystem services that make them uniquely qualified to reduce the
impacts of climate change on important sectors of Michigan’s economy. They can be conserved and restored to
improve the state’s ability to protect and manage both the quantity and the quality of the state’s waters ensuring
that water is available when it is needed in appropriate quantities. Simultaneously this will provide habitat to
sustain the state’s rich wildlife and fishery resources. Wetland adaptation planning and implementation can not
only protect and conserve wetlands but deliver ecosystem services that have high economic and social value as
part of the state’s overall climate change adaptation strategy.
The concept of increasing wetlands to adapt to climate change and to minimize negative effects is important
because many traditional approaches to flood protection, water quality protection and water quantity
management are predicated on the continued availability of cheap energy and petroleum based materials. If
the cost of petroleum products increases dramatically, (as many predict it will) these solutions will be less cost
effective. Leveraging natural systems such as wetlands to protect groundwater supply for communities, sustain
soil moisture for agriculture or reduce flooding and damage to infrastructure will be a cheaper, more sustainable
solution.
Recommendations for Michigan
Climate change provides formidable challenges for the state of Michigan and for the conservation of its natural
resources including wetlands. Over time it is likely that new initiatives and programs will be needed, but there
are also significant opportunities to adjust and tailor existing restoration, regulation, resource management,
planning, training, monitoring and mapping programs to address climate change adaptation. Leveraging existing
programs is also likely to support identification of those actions that are categorized as “no regrets” policies,
i.e., opportunities within existing programs that provide greater capacity for dealing with problems associated
with climate change but don’t impose significant new costs or diverting economic activity. Nationally and
internationally there has been a great deal of support for ‘no regrets’ options that create benefits no matter how
the climate changes in the future even if those changes are larger or smaller than predicted.
Strategic Recommendations
The white paper recommends a large number of potential actions for consideration by the MDEQ and its
partners, with a focus on development of “no regrets” policies that leverage existing programs to support
climate change adaptation. The ASWM recommendations fall into 5 major headings: 1) Advanced Strategic
Planning; (2) Monitoring and Assessment; (3) Voluntary Restoration, Conservation and Management; (4)
Regulation; and (5) Integration with other Water Programs for Watershed Management. For each of these
topics, suggested actions are provided that specifically target the Great Lakes, or other inland waters.
Continued on next page
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Wetland News
Michigan Climate Change Adaptation, continued
Advanced Strategic Planning
In addition to the climate change planning already carried out by the
State, ASWM recommends that MDEQ and other Michigan interest
groups work together to develop strategic direction in three specific
areas as they relate to climate change adaptation.
•
Water management has an impact on all of the important
economic interests in Michigan – agriculture, tourism, urban development, and protection of private
property from flooding and storms. Wetlands are likely to play a key role in meeting the multiple needs
of these interests, offering a “no-regrets” opportunity to address climate change in a positive manner,
and to work with these various stakeholder groups to address management of both surface and
groundwater resources. Specific recommendations focus on making decisions on hydrologic
management strategies that will protect multiple ecosystem services.
•
Future management of Great Lakes coastal areas in particular is a complex issue – stakeholders may
have significantly different goals for management of coastal wetlands during a decades long period of
change and uncertainty. It is therefore advisable to establish an ongoing forum to develop strategies
that are the most widely acceptable. The white paper suggests ongoing discussions among scientists
and a range of interest groups to address changing water levels and other climate impacts. Strategies
such as rolling easements may be useful for management at the local level.
•
Climate change will also require a new perspective on invasive species management. The migration
of species to follow climate change patterns is expected to result in the identification of multiple new
species – some of which represent early stages of succession and others that are nuisance species taking
advantage of disturbance. Invasive species are already a major concern in the Great Lakes; climate
change adaptation will add another layer of considerations to current control programs.
Monitoring & Assessment Recommendations
Michigan’s water and wetland monitoring and assessment strategies should be updated to incorporate
climate change considerations. It is likely that a significant amount of information can be extracted from
current monitoring efforts to evaluate many of the impacts of climate change on wetlands and associated
resources. Literature review will identify additional useful approaches and related programs. Other specific
recommendations include the following.
•
Changes in average temperatures, precipitation, ice and snow cover, water levels, changing vegetation
patterns and other information that is collected regularly and indicative of changes in climate should be
collected and displayed in a GIS format. This type of information should be made readily available to
climate change planners.
•
Establish long-term desired outcomes and metrics to identify progress to measure progress adapting to
climate change. Key measures could include “indicators” and “targets” for performance areas
including waters and watersheds, natural lands, fisheries and wildlife, outdoor recreation and
organization effectiveness.
•
Adapt existing wetland monitoring programs to document changes in wetland communities over time.
Continued on next page
Michigan Climate Change Adaptation, continued
Wetland News 9
Voluntary Restoration and Coastal Management Recommendations
Wetland preservation, restoration and stewardship by private landowners and public land management
agencies predate wetland regulation. Wetland conservation activities are driven by desires for improved
habitat, open space, water quality protection, and other concerns. Continued emphasis on restoration and
conservation provides a no-regrets approach to climate change adaptation that will provide positive benefits for
Michigan’s resources regardless of the extent of climate change impacts. Examples of actions to support these
conservation measures include these actions:
•
Develop a state GIS database that provides the ability to do multiple analyses for leveraging wetland
restoration, management and protection to provide ecosystem services and mitigate the impacts of
climate change. Make use of existing state wetland mapping and assessment such as LLWW
classifications.
•
Work with multiple existing state programs, including floodplain management, nonpoint source
management, the NOAA CELCP program, Wildlife Action Plans, and management of state
Environmental Areas and others to focus restoration and preservation efforts.
•
Carry out wetlands restoration and protection demonstration projects that are identified through the
planning and GIS analysis.
•
Identify, protect, and restore wetland resources that provide significant carbon stores, such as peatlands,
in cooperation with land trusts and others.
•
Support identification and installation of shoreline practices that protect, restore and enhance coastal
and inland wetlands to protect habitat, provide protection from storms, and to respond to changing
water levels. Encourage integration of climate adaptation considerations in the Michigan Natural
Shoreline Partnership.
•
Provide financial incentives for wetland conservation that provides climate change adaptation benefits,
potential including carbon sequestration banks, and similar programs.
•
Provide training in climate change adaptation to local governments, agencies and organizations.
Regulation
Michigan has a well-established regulatory program to protect wetlands and other water resources.
Consideration should be given to what, if any changes are necessary in light of climate change considerations.
Changes should be considered in cooperation with multiple stakeholders,
including state, federal and local agencies are other interested parties.
Specifically:
•
In cooperation with a range of stakeholders, consider revision
of current regulatory processes to integrate climate change
adaptations into the wetland dredge and fill permitting,
enforcement and mitigation decision making processes. This
could include consideration of mitigation requirements, protection
of carbon stores, and other permitting criteria and conditions.
Continued on next page
10
Wetland News
Michigan Climate, continued
•
Coordinate with EPA in consideration of changes to 404 Program
to integrate climate change concerns.
•
Integrate wetland protection and restoration into state flood hazard
and climate change initiatives including protection of wetland
flood storage and conveyance, prohibition of fills in wetlands
located in floodplains, adoption of zero rise standards for
floodways and adoption of a no adverse impact standard for
floodplain management.
•
Prepare and distribute to local and county government a wetland
and climate change best management practices handbook.
Integration with other Water Programs for Watershed Management
Climate change will have far ranging impacts on Michigan’s natural resources that are well beyond the scope
of this white paper. However, adaptation may, in many instances, involve wetland protection and management.
To that extent, wetland climate change adaptation approaches should involve working with other water program
areas at a watershed/ecosystem scale. These are examples of recommended actions:
•
Identify ways to encourage wetlands restoration and conservation as part of establishing green
infrastructure. The role of wetlands in climate change adaptation should be advanced in the Nonpoint
source program, in development of TMDLs, in Great Lakes Areas of Concern (AOCs), and in related
Great Lakes Restoration Initiative actions. Technical materials supporting management of wetlands for
climate change adaptation should be added to the Michigan Surface Water Low Impact Development
(LID) Manual.
•
Explore opportunities to manage stormwater to support wetlands conservation and prevent wetland
degradation. Climate change is expected to produce larger storm events which will tax existing
stormwater infrastructure which is generally planned in
anticipation of the ‘average’ 10-15 year storm event. Greater
emphasis on infiltration, natural storage and buffer and riparian
habitat can support wetland conservation while improving the
capacity of communities to reduce pollution and flooding
from larger and more frequent storm events.
•
Provide greater incentives for adopting strategies that provide
multiple benefits over single purpose projects. For example,
protecting natural floodplains can reduce impacts from floods on
nearby and downstream communities, provide wildlife habitat
and improve water quality. Low Impact Development can reduce
stormwater pollution to local streams, recharge groundwater and
reduce annual maintenance costs.
•
Work with Nonpoint Source Program to incorporate issues related to wetlands and climate change
adaptation into criteria for new or updated watershed plans, as well as proposed implementation
funding and definition of priority restoration areas. Encourage protection and restoration of wetlands
that will serve multiple functions, including water storage, buffering runoff from anticipated larger
storm events, and provision of migratory corridors for wildlife.
Continued on next page
Wetland News
11
Michigan Climate Change Adaptation, continued
•
Explore the role of wetland protection and restoration in addressing issues in Areas of Concern,
including water quality improvement, water management, and removal of biological impairments.
•
Job creation opportunities that are part of wetland restoration, protection and conservation should be
documented and included as part the Michigan Climate Change Plan.
•
Identify adaptation actions that will maintain or expand overall biodiversity, increase connectivity of
coastal wetland areas, and improve water management to address multiple natural resource goals.
Finally, an appendix to the white paper includes a matrix to illustrate how many wetland-related climate
change adaptation measures can provide multiple benefits in terms of ecosystem services. This matrix helps to
reinforce the need for cooperative approaches and effective interagency communication to integrate multiple
programs and areas of expertise. For the full list of recommendations and paper, click here to download the
PDF of the full report.
Financial assistance for this project was provided, in part, by the Michigan Coastal
Management Program, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, through a
grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Department of
Commerce. We wish to thank Anne Hokanson of the DEQ Wetlands Program, and Alisa
Gonzales-Pennington of the DEQ Coastal Management Program for their suggestions and
assistance in preparing the white paper. We also wish to acknowledge the DEQ Wetlands
Program and the Michigan Wetlands Association for their efforts in convening the
Wetlands Climate Change Symposium that provided the foundations for this work.
Wetland News
12
Coming Home..... to North Augusta’s Wetlands
by Terri Turner, AICP, CFM
Terri Turner photo
Continued from p. 1.
There’s nothing like having your neighborhood nestled adjacent to a 14+ acre wetlands park. A
mere five minute walk from my house, I can leave the cars, people and the chaos of a normal day
behind and immerse myself in the quiet serenity of Mother Nature’s finest —the tranquil, calming,
peacefulness of a wetland boardwalk and nature trail. Suddenly, the outside world disappears as
squirrels and the occasional deer scamper through this forested oasis, as cool breezes crackle fall
leaves, still pirouetting from nature’s canopy. If only for a while, I am at peace in my own little world amidst foraging
birds and the mating call of an unknown insect or two. More often than not, I find myself strolling, rather than exercising
or walking at a normal pace. It is hard for me to leave this precious sanctuary, and as I breathe in the fresh air and unleash
all of the burdens of the day, I constantly have to convince myself that there’s always tomorrow to explore nature’s bounty
and reap the benefits of this unspoiled landscape. Lucky for me, this place of escape is practically in my backyard!
Another favorite get-away spot is North Augusta’s Brick Pond Park—a
40+ acre restored wetland (East and West Ponds). It includes constructed
wetlands that are part of an elaborate stormwater treatment area in
the heart of downtown North Augusta and adjacent to their municipal
buildings. This public nature park, a part of the Savannah River
ecosystem, has walking trails and boardwalks that bring the public into the
midst of this wetlands area, where an array of over 3000 native plants and
animals, many that find a home in the adjacent uplands nature reserve, can
be experienced by those lucky enough to visit.
The constructed wetlands includes a variety of pollutant-removing plants, waterfalls that provide oxygen and promote
movement and circulation within the system to improve overall water quality and contribute to the health of the nearby
Savannah River. Pre-treatment wetlands, situated above and adjacent to the constructed wetlands, serve to filter and
remove trash, sediment, other debris, and pollutants that come in through the upstream stormwater pipes from the
Municipal Complex, the North Augusta Greeneway Trail and Center Street.
A pavilion with seating is conveniently provided at East Pond for viewing of the alligators, turtles, fish, families of
ducks, and 111 species of birds that frequent the pond; a dock with seating is also located at West Pond. North Augusta’s
elaborate and extensive 70-acre, 9+ mile paved Greeneway Trail System adjoins the Brick Pond Park, linking the Park
to the rest of North Augusta via lush green corridors. This is the favorite retreat of our family dog, Bailie, and there is
enough room for her, all of the other dog walkers, the runners, a few bikers, the families, the kids and the occasional pair
of lovebirds along the extensive trail system. I haven’t yet taken my picnic basket to any one of several scenic spots at the
nature park, but it is definitely on my to-do list.
Another place I visit—the acres of wetlands and marshes located at The River Club Golf Course, located within a
stone’s throw from the Brick Pond Park and less than a block from the banks
of the Savannah River. This course, known by the locals and frequent Masters
visitors as a “golfers paradise” is also a paradise for the nature lover. I have seen
red foxes hunting in the marsh, and a great blue heron, that once flew inches
over my husband’s head as he attempted to tee off on Hole #3. (Of course, I
naturally made him stop—right in the middle of his backswing—and enjoy the
picturesque moment!) I have witnessed great egrets spanning their wings and
gliding effortlessly across the wetlands and ponds in the center of the course, their
massive white bodies reflecting on the water as they sailed by. I have seen ducks
of every description resting effortlessly on the water and an otter scampering up a
Continued on next page
Wetland News
13
Continued from p. 12
Southeastern Natural
Sciences Academy photo
slippery bank, on one occasion. I have marveled at a variety of other wetlands
loving species such as the swamp rabbit and a large number of sunning slider
turtles on a recent adventure. I have held my breath at the grandeur of a hawk
soaring overhead and I have been mesmerized by the sighting of red-winged
blackbirds on a number of my walks at the golf course. (To this writer’s delight,
I have not seen the gator rumored to be trolling the grounds and for that, and the
sanctity of my central nervous system, I am eternally grateful!) Golfers find this
course to be a hidden gem as a golf travel destination, but for nature lovers too,
its value as an aesthetic jewel within the community is equally as priceless.
Earlier, I mentioned North Augusta’s Greeneway Trail. This paved bike and pedestrian
trail lies on natural terrain primarily within an old abandoned 100’ wide railroad right-ofway. The Greeneway is mostly wooded and includes several protected areas home to rare and unusual plant species. It
is not unusual to see deer and other wildlife along the trail, which now has a segment that runs down along the Savannah
River, adjacent to Hammonds Ferry. Great care was taken in construction of the Greeneway not to disturb the native
plant life, natural areas, and wetlands along the trail. For example, Crystal Creek, and the wetlands area that surrounds
it, were bridged with a ninety foot flatbed rail car (donated by TTX - Hamburg), offering lush views of this urban creek
in a wilderness setting. It is one of my favorite spots along the trail and I always find an excuse to stop and rest for a few
minutes. Augusta is not without its own impressive wetlands areas, with the 396-acre Phinizy Swamp Wetlands Mitigation
Bank (a part of the 1,100 acre Phinizy Swamp Nature Park) among the most notable ones. The Wetlands Bank, under the
management of the Southeastern Natural Science Academy’s Center for Urban River Research, continues the ecological
restoration research associated with the Bank and also promotes an extensive education and public outreach program.
They also say that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” and I am not sure that everyone would find some of my favorite
places in my hometown to be on their “must visit” list. But the dedication that North Augusta has taken in protection
of their natural resources, including streams, rivers, creeks, ponds, wetlands, parks, open space, trails and Greeneway is
particularly impressive, and is an effort, I believe, that has contributed significantly to a prospering local economy, but
more so, to a sense of community.
The majority of these wetlands are typically defined as “urban wetlands” – wetlands located in or near towns,
communities and areas with concentrated populations and recreational development. There are clearly a lot of challenges
for wetlands located in or near urban settings. “Development can bring dramatic changes to the hydrology, species
composition, water quality, soil and sediment structure and movement, and landscape patterns and connectivity” in
and around these sensitive areas. Left unchecked, development could impose significant and severe negative impacts
for surrounding wetlands. But for those communities that embrace their ecological natural resources – with wetland
protection, preservation, conservation, enhancement, and restoration – communities can better manage their waterrelated challenges and, at the same time, “provide for recreation, education and rejuvenation while engaging the public
in wetlands education, stewardship, and citizen science activities”. Done correctly, through education and creating (or
recreating) community values and perceptions, via increasing the knowledge base and promoting adaptive behavior, there
can actually be a symbiotic relationship between urban wetlands and the developed community.
Over the years, there has been a lot of debate about the natural and beneficial functions of
wetlands—their economical value in the flood fight or as a natural wildlife and fish habitat
(including endangered species), their water quality enhancement, their groundwater recharge
and streamflow maintenance capabilities, their shore stabilization function, or any one of the
impressive array of ecological functions they perform. The more the ecological economic
analysis professionals learn, in turn, the more valuable wetlands become nationwide. With that
thought in mind, if the “richness” of a community were to be measured by wetland preservation,
wetland construction, and wetland enhancement, then North Augusta, SC might very well be one
of the richest communities in the nation.
Continued on pg. 15
Wetland News
14
Welcome New Members
Amar Nayegandhi, Dewberry
Amy Buechler, Missouri Department of Conservation
Andrew Hartz, Michigan DEQ
Anita Stabile
Anne Neale, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Anne Wakeford, West Virginia DNR
Ben Zimont, Michigan DEQ
Benjamin Hodapp, Anderson Engineering of MN, LLC
Bethany Matousek, Michigan DEQ
Bill Mahoney
Bill Orme, California State Water Resources Control Board
Bob Sweet, Michigan DEQ
Brian Sullivan, Colorado Parks and Wildlife
Burr Monroe, Delaware Nature Society
Carl Dawes
Carl Peterson, ENCAP, Inc.
Chad Richtman, Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
Cheryl Carpenter
Chris Stine, Oregon DEQ, 401 Program
Claudette Horn, PNM Resources
Corey Saxon, Oregon DEQ, 401 Program
Dana Peterson
Dave Maune, Dewberry
David Johannesen, James Anderson Company
David Kaplan, University of Florida
Derek Haroldson, Michigan DEQ
Doug Campbell, PNM Resources
Eliza McFarland
Elizabeth Campbell, Alice Ferguson Foundation
Eric Kulz, North Carolina DENR
Ethan Giedraitis, PNM Resources
Fiona Wright
George Hummeldorf
Greg Snyder, U.S. Geological Survey
Gregory White
Holly Vickers, Michigan DEQ
Jason Beale, Delaware Nature Society
Jason Beale, Delaware Nature Society
Jeff Ehman, ImageMatters
Jennifer Bird
Jennifer Jones
Jeremy Jones, Michigan DEQ
Jeremy Wadell, Tioga County Soil & Water
Jim White, Delaware Nature Society
Joe Starinchak, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
John Acklen, PNM Resources
John Boyce
John Gustafson, Michigan DEQ
John Larson
John Schneider, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and
Environmental Control
Jonathan Koepke, ENCAP, Inc.
Joseph Hmieleski
Joy Prescott, Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.
Judy Stevens, New York State DEC
Julie Michaelson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 7
Justin Smith, Michigan DEQ
Kate Foley, Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.
Kathy David, Michigan DEQ
Kelsey Musich, ENCAP, Inc.
Kimberly Mohney
Kirk Jarvie, Oregon Department of State Lands
Kris Bieker
Kris Gilbert
Kristen Cayce, San Francisco Estuary Institute
Laura Ruman, Missouri Department of Conservation
Lee Carolan
Luis Saldivia, Michigan DEQ
Margi Flood
Matt Kleitch, Michigan DEQ
Matthew Jennette, Delaware Department of Natural Resources
and Environmental Control
Matthjew Paroulek, Portland State University
Melanie Foose, Michigan DEQ
Michele Baumer, Missouri Department of Conservation
Michelle Townsley, Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma
Mike Pennington, Michigan DEQ
Mike Smolinski, Michigan DEQ
Nancy Deskins, Michigan DEQ
Nick Williams
Ole Amundsen, The Conservation Fund
Oren Kennedy, Michigan DEQ
Patrick Donnelly, Intermountain West Joint Venture
Patrick Raney, Tioga County Soil & Water
Peter Anderson, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality,
Water Quality 401 Program
Robert Vanni
Roxanne Merrick, Michigan DEQ
Roy Jacobson, New York State DEC
Samantha Melton, ENCAP, Inc.
Sara Christensen, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality,
Water Quality 401 Program
Shannon Lamb
Stephen Saletta, PNM Resources
Steve Casey, Michigan DEQ
Steve Emmett-Mattox, Restore America’s Estuaries
Steve Mrazik, Oregon Department of Environmental Quality,
Water Quality 401 Program
Susan Rowley, ENCAP, Inc.
Teressa Van Diest, Three Parameters, Plus, Inc.
Timothy Post, New York State DEC
Todd Tugwell, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Tom Kolhoff, Michigan DEQ
Tracy Lind
Virginia Pennala, Michigan DEQ
Will Harman, Stream Mechanics
Kim Pilarski
Wetland News
15
Continued from p. 13
As for me, I will continue to look at my community’s wetlands through the eyes
of someone who appreciates them for their aesthetic beauty, for their natural
sanctuary, and for the immeasurable value they add to everyday life. For now,
however, enough of this reminiscing. My soul yearns for a walk amidst some of
nature’s finest grandeur. Lucky for me, I know exactly where to find it.
Terri L Turner, AICP, CFM, is a planner, floodplain manager, and hazard
mitigation specialist with the City of Augusta (GA) Planning and Development
Department. Terri is also the Region 4 Director and the No Adverse Impact
(NAI) Committee Co-Chair of the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM). Terri spends much of her free
time touring the nation speaking on sound floodplain management, hazard mitigation, climate change adaptation, and
sustainability and resiliency initiatives for local governments.
Members’ Wetland Webinar Series
Next webinar:
Wetlands, Carbon and Climate Change,
Dr. William J. Mitsch, Director,
Everglades Wetland Research Park
Wetland ecosystems provide an optimum natural environment for
the sequestration and longterm storage of carbon dioxide (CO2)
from the atmosphere, yet are also natural sources of greenhouse
gases emissions, especially methane. In this webinar presentation
Dr. Mitsch will summarize research that finds that methane
emissions become unimportant within 300 years compared to carbon
sequestration in wetlands. The research conducted by Dr. Mistsch
and his colleagues demonstrates that wetlands can be created and
restored to provide C sequestration and other ecosystem services
without great concern of creating net radiative sources on the climate
due to methane emissions. Tuesday, March 26, 2013 – 3:00 p.m. EST
To register, click here.
Wetland News Staff
Thank you for renewing
your membership.
Jeanne Christie,
Executive Dir., Photos
Sharon Weaver,
Web Lay-out, Design
Laura Burchill,
Lay-out, Proof-reader
Leah Stetson,
Editor, Design
Copyright Association of State Wetland Managers March 2013
http://aswm.org