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- Info
Changes in wetlands due to urbanization: A regional perspective
| Author: |
Heimlich, Ralph E. |
| Date: |
1989 |
| Periodical: |
In: Luzar, E. Jane; Henning, Steve A., eds. Alternative Perspectives on Wetland Evaluation and Use: Proceedings of a Regional Workshop; 1988 November 10-11; Baton Rouge, LA. Southern Natural Resources Economic Committee. Publication No. 27 |
| Abstract: |
Only about 30 percent of wetland loss in rapidly growing Southeastern counties is due to direct conversion for urban land uses. Wetlands converted to agriculture and forestry account for 65 to 70 percent of gross losses and these may well be intermediate uses in a process of eventual urbanization. Some agriculture will adapt to urbanization, but much agricultural land converted from wetlands will succumb to the higher rents obtainable in developed uses. Direct wetland conversion accounts for only 10 to 17 percent of land urbanized, while agricultural and forestlands account for 80 to 90 percent of gross conversion to urban uses. The relationship between urbanization and direct and indirect wetland loss is stronger in coastal counties than for inland areas. The two paths of wetland conversion are consistent with spatial economic theories. Bid rent surfaces for farming will vary depending on the quality of land for agricultural production and the cost of clearing and draining wetlands. As growth raises urban bid rent surfaces, both wetlands formerly converted for agriculture and remaining wetlands are bid into developed uses. Displaced farmers, or growers who replace them, turn to more distant land, including wetlands, for new cropland.
Wetland protection policies should recognize that, over time, urbanization is the most important driver behind wetland conversion in rapidly growing areas, despite intermediate uses through which land may pass. Policies to retain existing farmland could be as valuable in preventing wetland loss as explicit policies forestland protection. Agricultural drainage and filling may need as much attention to prevent wetland loss as urban development, although state and local governments regulate farmers less than developers. However, a coordinated policy is required: wetland protection must be integrated with urban growth management and farmland retention programs to be successful.
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