INSTRUCTOR:
Dr. C.P. Cirmo, 323 Bowers, x2924, cirmoc@cortland.edu
, http//web.cortland.edu/cirmo/index.html
LECTURE MEETINGS: 11:40 - 12:55 T, Th - Rm 339 Bowers
LABORATORY/FIELD: 1:15 – 4:15 Th - Rm 333 Bowers/Field
LECTURE DESCRIPTION: A survey and in-depth investigation of the physical, chemical and biological structure, function, management and delineation of non-tidal freshwater wetlands, focused on those common to the eastern United States. Lecture topics include the history of wetland use/abuse, current definitions of wetlands, and common indicators of wetland function including hydrology, soils, geomorphology, biogeochemistry, and ecosystem structure. An emphasis will be placed on the hydrogeomorphic setting of wetlands in the landscape, with detailed work centered on wetlands formed in settings influenced by glacio-fluvial activity. Students will be introduced to international wetlands of concern, and to current classification schemes and functional assessments. A semester long field project culminates in a group report and presentation. This is a writing intensive (WI) course.
REQUIRED TEXTS:
a. Wetlands (3rd ed.), 2001, R. Mitsch
and J. Gosselink, Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., New York
b. Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater
Habitats of the United States (Cowardin 1979)*
*(provided in class for a small duplication
fee)
c. NYS Wetland Delineation Manual
d. Other pamphlets and texts as needed and
on library reserve
GRADING CRITERIA:
Three lecture exams (includes open book
final)
60% (each 20%)
Literature Review Paper
10%
Quizzes
10%
Wetland Field Project
20%
LECTURE TOPICS:
Intro/Definitions/Perspectives
Wetland Values vs. Wetland Functions
Wetland Identification/Classification Schemes
Major North American Wetlands - Case Studies
Wetland Regulations: Local and National
Perspective
Hydrology and Hydrogeomorphology
Biogeochemistry and Saturated Soils
Palustrine Wetlands
Freshwater Marshes
Northern Peatlands and Bogs
Riparian and Riverine Wetlands
Wetland Creation and Restoration, Mitigation
LITERATURE REVIEW AND ORAL REPORT:
The student is expected to choose a specific
topic in the wetland sciences in consultation with the instructor, and
to produce a literature review paper in the format of a journal article
and acceptable to the instructor. This will be followed by a short oral
in-class presentation (10 minutes) on the topic to the class sometime during
the semester.
LABORATORY COVERAGE:
The student will develop an understanding
of the rationale and practices used in the identification, classification,
delineation and functional assessment of freshwater wetlands, including
the recognition of wetland hydrology, soils and vegetation. Familiarization
with wetland delineation manuals, sources of information (including NWI
maps, GIS databases, professional agencies, government offices and regulatory
contacts), and the practical use of in-field observation techniques, is
expected.
An integral part of the laboratory experience will a group project involving the identification, classification, delineation and mapping of the wetlands within a project area at the Hoxie Gorge college field station . Students will use the current NYS delineation manual, GPS point identification, and the NYS wetland delineation procedure. There will also be guest lectures and field trips to major local wetland areas of interest.
LABORATORY/FIELD SCHEDULE