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Ecological Functions of Wetlands

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Wetlands

Abstract

We use the term “function” to mean processes or manifestations of processes. Wetlands probably have hundreds of functions, but only a small number are considered important to most people. Some values are based on aesthetics, such as beauty and naturalness, but many are economic, such as water quality improvement, wildlife hunting lease value, and sustainable timber production. Some of the values are considered to be negative, such as supporting mosquito populations. We classify functions as those that generally are captured by the landowner versus those that generally are external to the landowner to illuminate the fact that most of the economic value of most wetlands is external to the landowner.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University Agricultural Center, 70803, Baton Rouge, LA, USA

    John A. Nyman

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  1. John A. Nyman
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Correspondence to John A. Nyman .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Environmental & Remediation Project, PECO Energy Company, Market Avenue 2301, Philadelphia, 19103, Pennsylvania, USA

    Ben A. LePage

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Nyman, J.A. (2011). Ecological Functions of Wetlands. In: LePage, B. (eds) Wetlands. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-0551-7_6

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