Obligations of Researchers and Managers to Respect Wetlands: Practical Solutions to Minimizing Field Monitoring Impacts

Jessica A. Bryzek, Krista L. Noe, Sindupa De Silva, Andrew MacKenzie, Cindy L. Von Haugg, Donna Hartman, Jordan E. McCall, Walter Veselka and James T. Anderson
Additional contact information
Jessica A. Bryzek: School of Natural Resources, West Virginia University, 1145 Evansdale Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
Krista L. Noe: School of Natural Resources, West Virginia University, 1145 Evansdale Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
Sindupa De Silva: School of Natural Resources, West Virginia University, 1145 Evansdale Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
Andrew MacKenzie: School of Natural Resources, West Virginia University, 1145 Evansdale Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
Cindy L. Von Haugg: James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation Center, Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University, P.O. Box 596, Georgetown, SC 29442, USA
Donna Hartman: School of Natural Resources, West Virginia University, 1145 Evansdale Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
Jordan E. McCall: James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation Center, Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University, P.O. Box 596, Georgetown, SC 29442, USA
Walter Veselka: School of Natural Resources, West Virginia University, 1145 Evansdale Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
James T. Anderson: James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation Center, Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University, P.O. Box 596, Georgetown, SC 29442, USA

Land, 2022, vol. 11, issue 4, 1-12

Abstract: Research and field monitoring can disturb wetland integrity. Adoption of ethical field practices is needed to limit monitoring induced stressors such as trampling, non-native seed and invertebrate dispersal, and disease and fungal spread. We identify a linear pathway of deterioration highlighting stressors that can progress to cumulative impacts, consequences, and losses at the site scale. The first step to minimize disturbance is to assess and classify the current ecosystem quality. We present a tiered framework for wetland classification and link preventative measures to the wetland tier. Preventative measures are recommended at various intensities respective to the wetland tier, with higher tiered wetlands requiring more intense preventative measures. In addition, preventative measures vary by time of implementation (before, during, and after the wetland visit) to mitigate impacts at various temporal scales. The framework is designed to increase transparency of field monitoring impacts and to promote the adoption of preventative measures. Implementing preventative measures can build accountability and foster a greater appreciation for our roles as researchers and managers in protecting wetlands.

Keywords: cleaning; efficacy; ethics; researcher impacts; wetland decontamination (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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