Note: please note that this issue overview should (a) contain links to additional information on this topic that is focused either the local, state, national, or global level, and (b) be neutrally presented, based on facts, and include footnotes for each of the items. See the Research Guide and Information Sources to assist you.
Goal Statement one sentence that further defines the topic
Policy Options / Model Programs specific policies or program models, grouped by type, that are profiled
For the Sierra Club's specific conservation policies regarding wetlands, the goals of which are to increase the quantity, diversity, quality and productivity of the nation's wetlands, please see: http://www.sierraclub.org/policy/conservation/wetlands.aspx
Local/State/National Information additional information on this topic at the local, state, national, global level
USA
USA Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) official definition and outline of mitigation www.epa.gov/wetlandsmitigation
Every year 80,000 acres of wetlands are destroyed in America. [1]
Glossary of Terms key words or phrases that the layperson needs to know to understand this issue
Wetlands: Lands that are transitional between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems wherein the water table is usually at or near the surface and the land is covered periodically by shallow water; those lands must have one or more of the following attributes:[2]
Wetland values/wetland functions: Generally understood to encompass:[3]
Development: Human activity that impacts or disturbs wetlands.[4]
Mitigation: Compensation for unavoidable alteration that counterbalances the damage or destruction of the natural wetland ecosystem (including habitat and hydrology).[5]
Restoration: Rehabilitation of a natural wetland ecosystem after disturbance by human activity. [6]
No Net Loss: During the devolopment of an area, all wetlands and streams that are impacted must be compensated so that the total function ad acreage of wetlands and streams remains the same.
Bibliography
Footnotes