Wetlands Policy Analysis: Identifying Issues and Solutions of Current Wetlands Restoration and Conservation Practices

Abstract

Wetlands conservation policy began nearly 75 years ago with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1948. Through time, policy and conservation practices have evolved with the introduction of new laws and decisions on significant court cases. To improve the efficiency of wetland restoration, protect the ecosystem services provided by wetlands, and establish a framework for policy moving forward, it is essential an analysis of past and current policy be conducted. Therefore, my analysis highlights significant issues with current policy, why current policies fail to protect ecosystem services of wetlands and suggests solutions to improve policy moving forward. Few studies exist which critically analyze the policy and legislation surrounding wetlands management in the U.S., limiting our understanding of the management framework, and leaving wetlands vulnerable to further degradation. It is important we understand why these policies, and the legislation guiding them, have not been effectively implemented in preventing and reversing the loss of wetlands in the U.S. My policy analysis will examine existing policies, laws, and guidance to determine the reasons why we are continually losing wetlands in the U.S. today. My analysis will also offer new direction moving forward to mitigate continued loss of wetlands, and, finally, make recommendations of how to improve aspects of wetlands conservation and restoration through policy change and framework implementation.