GLY/ENS 310
Wetlands Analysis
SUNY Cortland
Fall 2003 (WI,3cr.)

ON-LINE LECTURE SCHEDULE AND WEB PAGE:
(click to get update on assignments, exam dates, changes in field meetings, etc.)

 
INSTRUCTOR INFORMATION:
Dr. Chris Cirmo
341 Bowers, x2924,
Email: cirmoc@cortland.edu
Website: http://web.cortland.edu/cirmoc/index.html
Course website:(you found it!) http://web.cortland.edu/cirmoc/wetlands/wetland.htm
LECTURE MEETINGS:  11:40 - 12:55 T, Th - Rm 339 Bowers
LABORATORY/FIELD:   1:15 – 4:15 Th - Rm 339/333 Bowers/Field at Lime Hollow Nature Center

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 and the writing intensive portion of the class will consist of a) a required Journal Article review, critique and presentation, and b) a group report on the the class project and final writup on Lime Hollow Nature Center wetlands.

ON-LINE LECTURE SCHEDULE AND WEB PAGE:  This link will get you to the ongoing lecture/lab schedule for the course.  It should be consulted frequently to update assignments etc.

REQUIRED TEXTS/EQUIPMENT
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
e. Rubber boots or waders, mosquito repellant, blaze orange hat or vest.

GRADING CRITERIA:
   Three lecture exams (includes open book final) 50% (15, 15, and 20%)
Journal Article Review and Discussion 10%
Quizzes (now and then?)  10%
Wetland Field Project  30%

LECTURE TOPICS:
Intro/Definitions/Perspectives
Wetland Vegetation (while it is still identifiable!) and Field Project
Wetland Values vs. Wetland Functions
Wetland Identification/Classification Schemes/Wetland Mapping
Major North American Wetlands - Case Studies
Wetland Hydrology and Hydrogeomorphology
Biogeochemistry and Saturated Soils
“Palustrine” Wetlands
Marshes and Swamps
Northern Peatlands and Bogs
Riparian and Riverine Wetlands
Wetland Regulations: Local and National Perspective
Wetland Creation and Restoration, Mitigation

JOURNAL PAPER REVIEW AND ORAL REPORT:
The student is expected to choose a specific paper from the Journal “Wetlands” (found in our library), in consultation with the instructor, and to produce a short paper summary and critique, followed by a short oral in-class presentation (10 minutes) on the paper sometime during the semester, in the form of a graduate seminar.  The student will work with the instructor on choosing the paper, its area, and the oral presentation.

LABORATORY/FIELD PROJECT:  (click link for details on the Lime Hollow Field Project).
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.  Presentation of this “class” database and results will be part of a poster produced for Scholar’s Day festivities in March 2004.  The laboratory experience will consist of a group project involving the identification, classification, delineation and GIS mapping of the wetlands within a project area at the Lime Hollow Nature Center.  Students will use the current NYS delineation manual, GPS point identification, and the NYS wetland delineation procedure.

LABORATORY/FIELD SCHEDULE