Wetland mitigation

Barry Meyers-Rice (barry@mips3.as.arizona.edu)
Thu, 1 Dec 1994 14:49:56 -0700

Becky

I'm not running in the campaign. But can I still comment on your query
for viewpoints re: wetland practices? :)

First, wetland mitigation has been around for a long time, I believe it
was initiated during the Reagan years. I am unaware of any new modifications
that have occurred under the Clinton administration....do tell more.

Second, I have never been impressed with the results of wetland mitigation.
Usually the artificial wetland consists of several acres of pond, filled
with garbage emergents and aquatics like cattail (_Typha_) or _Elodea_ and
duckweed (_Lemna_) and maybe a few non-native lilypads (_Nymphaea, Nuphar,
Nelumbo_). The entire wetland flora can be counted on two hands. Sure, it
looks nice that there are a few ducks and coots flying around, but while
this is very pretty at a distance, close up the flaws, fakery, and ugly
shortcomings become obvious. Like Cher. :)

Barry