BE/CNH: Sustaining Multiple Functions For Urban Wetlands

Oregon State University, Corvallis OR

Investigators

Abstract

0119783 Santelmann Ecologically healthy urban landscapes, including wetlands and natural areas, can help maintain water quality, water quantity, and biodiversity and fulfill human social and aesthetic needs. However, some of the functions we desire urban wetlands to perform can impair the ability of these urban wetlands to perform other desired functions well. This project will establish partnerships among public agencies, educators, and interdisciplinary teams of scientists from three regions of the US to summarize the state of our knowledge of wetlands in the urban landscape, and propose directions for future research. A product of this research will be improved understanding of complex relationships among wetland functions, as well as an understanding of social systems and community characteristics of urban areas in which wetlands are included and valued in the urban landscape. This knowledge may assist planners in efforts to achieve optimal functioning of urban wetlands and natural areas at a landscape scale.