102 



evaluation is still largely subjective based on cursory examination or It requires detailed and costly 

 investigations that attempt to characterize the form and function of an individual wetland system. In 

 too many cases, cursory evaluations are highly dependent upon a few highly regarded functional 

 values, with little avenue for encompassing the sum of the myriad functional values from even a small 

 isolated wetland much less larger and/or muhiple wetland units wiiliiii liydio/bio/geographical units. 

 Consequently, present valuation methods are likely to underestimate the value of even the highasl 

 priority wetland and could not hope to produce a realistic value for lesser wetland avstems. The latter 

 would likely include smaller systems, isolated/disjunct systems, disturbed or degraded systerr^. drier- 

 end wetlands or transitional zones of wetlands, and ephemeral wetlands. Many of these could have 

 slKnificam but unmeasured functional values. 



Willi a few exceptions, we lack quduiilalive daU on luany functions in most important types of 

 natural wetlands The exceptions (mostly in fresh or salt water marshes) include components of the 

 life support function, i.e., production of avian and mammalian fauna, finfish, ahcllfisn, a few instance.s 

 ot plant products and isolated case.« of water purification, hor the vast m^oriw of wetlands and even 

 for most different types of wetland, we lack quantitative information even on the biologic productivity, 

 much less adequate, comparable Information on other imponant functional value).. 



Historically wetlands were grossly undervalued but later, a few waterfowl hunters led efforts to 

 protect and preserve certain lype.s oT wetlands Recently, other life support functions alone with 

 hydrologic buffering ond water quality improvement, have been identified as signiricam values. Major 

 segments of society now place high value on wetlands and Kovernmeni polity is to protect rather than 

 destroy our remaining wetlands. A complete reversal in society's valuation of wetlands has occurred 

 in less than 60 years In fact, the most siKiiificaiit change took place within the last 20 years. Who 

 can estimate the functional values of wetlands to society or society's attitudes, in the 21st century? It 

 valuation sclieincs aie employed to categoriie wetlands widi certain categories subsequently receiving 

 little or no protection, evahiators must have the ability to estimate future values as well as adequately 

 assess present values of existing wetlands. Lacking on estimate or a.s.sumption of future values, 

 evaluators could easily under-rate a significant portion of our existing wetland resources, resulting m 

 the loss of that segment before it has been evalu^jted (valued) under the standards of a future society. It 

 dues not appear likely that a significam new catcguiy of functional value would emerge from future 

 investigations hut it would not tie surprising to discover adiliiional functions and values or a complete 

 reordering of priorities with further undcrstunding of "low" value wetland systems. 



Furthermore evaluation of a wetland is inevitably related to time of year and age of systeJTi 

 Wetlands are dynamic ecosystems undergoing coasideranle seasonal and annual change as well as 

 progressive change over time, as the wetland system ages. Time, techniques and location iif data 

 aillection can have substantial impact on die lesult of a one-time evaluation. 



While weiland science is limited in its ability to provide quick and inexpensive methods of 

 quantifying all weiland functions, some means to predict wetland functions are available and being 

 improved. The general functions of wetlands within regions of the U.S. and within local landsc^pei, 

 i.e.. bottomland hardwiHids. estuaries, are well known. There is no longer any excuse for 

 development, agricultural, forestry, transportation and other land use programs to fail to use current 

 knowledge and a.Nscssiiiciil iccliiiiques to identify potential consequences of wetland lo.ss with the inwnt 

 of avoidmg weriand and reducing impacts to tho.se that, based on public values, are unavoidable. The 

 Committee concludes that much of the past and current loss of wetlands, and the current controversy in 

 legislative cirde.s, is exacerhaied by single-sector, land-use decisions thai have not made use of 

 available information on wetland functions and u.ssessmem techniques. 



Project Kiting is a critical element in assessment of wetland functions Placing monetary values 

 on wetlands requires an eamomit assesMncm tliai is sensitive to the land values and economy of the 

 locale within which the project is located We are aware of the potential costs of a.ssesslng "le 

 functions of individual wetlands; however, it i.s al-so clear Uiat careful and costly study of watersheds 

 is a pre-requisiie to designing flood protection programs. Farming practices are guided liy professional 

 surveys of regional and individual farm soil conditions Forest managemeni plans are leased on 

 detailed studies of stand coinposiliun, volume and growih. Wetlands must be included in similarly 

 comprehensive watershed planning. 



To the extent that wetlands are providing important functions in maintaining water quality, 

 reducing flwid damage and conserving biological diversity, their management requires an appropriate 



Page - 16 



