Wetland losses in the Southeast during the study period far exceeded losses for the remainder of the conterminous United States. Losses were concentrated in a few specific areas within the region: the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, coastal Louisiana, the Gulf-Atlantic Coastal Flats of North Carolina, and in Florida. One wetland type -- palustrine forested -- showed the greatest decline. Although large acreages were lost to agriculture and other upland categories, nearly as many additional acres were converted to palustrine scrub/shrub and emergent wetland types. Scrub/shrub and emergent wetlands also would have displayed net losses without these conversions (Fig. 18).

Figure 18.
Palustrine forested wetland losses and conversions in the Southeast

The Fish and Wildlife Service currently is collecting data to develop trend estimates for the period from the mid-1980's to the mid-1990's. Based on the findings of the current report, sampling has intensified throughout a large portion of the region. The number of upland categories has been increased to identify more specifically the causes of wetland change.

In recent years, public awareness of the relationship between wetlands and environmental quality has increased; wetland conservation efforts have been bolstered. Federal legislation such as the Federal Water Polution Control Act; the 1985 Food Security Act; the 1990 Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act; Public Tax Reform Act of 1986; and the 1986 Emergency Wetlands Resources Act include provisions that positively influence wetland management.

These laws have stimulated wetland programs that include regulatory enforcement, wetland restoration, public outreach and education, direct assistance to private landowners, disincentives for agricultural drainage, and public acquisition. Clearly, these programs could be maximized in the Southeast to achieve real gains in wetland conservation nationally. The national wetland trend study now in progress should provide an index for measuring these achievements.

Lutcher Moore Swamp, Louisiana
PALUSTRINE FORESTED
© NANCY WEBB