ABSTRACT
Wetlands perform numerous important functions, including water quality maintenance, flood protection, and habitat for threatened species of plants and wildlife (Mitsch and Gosselink 1986). The scientific community and public have become increasingly aware of the importance of wetlands in maintaining environmental quality (Soil and Water Conservation Society 1992). Such heightened awareness is reflected in increased financial support for wetland research, and the enactment of a patchwork of federal, state, and local laws regulating the environmental impacts to wetlands (Hauer 1995, Smith et al. 1995).
