May 10, 2012

Wetlands Restoration and the 2012 Farm Bill

Sponsored by: the Consortium of Aquatic Science Societies (ASLO, CERF, SFS, SWS)
and the Environmental Law Institute

This seminar started with a crash course on wetland science, and then turned to a discussion about wetlands restoration in agricultural areas and how the 2012 Farm Bill could impact that restoration.

Wetlands — Inspiring, Contentious, Essential
Speaker: Robert P. Brooks, Director, Riparia at Penn State

Brooks provided a crash course on wetland science and conservation, delving into such topics as the classification of wetlands, the role of wetlands in the natural environment, and the societal values of wetlands such as flood protection and water quality.

Wetlands Restoration in Agricultural Areas
Speaker: Chris Craft, Janet Duey Professor in Rural Land Policy at Indiana University and 2012 National Wetland Award recipient for Science Research

Chris Craft presented an overview of the benefits of restoring wetlands and riparian buffers for water quality improvement and other ecosystem services.

What the Political Landscape May Mean for the Agricultural Landscape
Speaker: Scott Sutherland, Director of the Governmental Affairs Office, Ducks Unlimited

Scott Sutherland focused on the 2012 Farm Bill: with increasing attention on budget deficits, the 2012 Farm Bill will need to cost less than it has in the past. What will that mean for conservation programs used to conserve wetlands? What programs will be left and at what levels?

Q&A with all three speakers

After the seminar, attendees were invited to attend the 2012 National Wetlands Award ceremony,
which took place at the U.S. Botanic Garden.

Additional Materials:
mp3 recording