Prof. James T. Anderson

James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation Center, Belle W. Baruch Institute of Coastal Ecology and Forest Science, Clemson University, USA

 

Biogrpahy: Dr. James T. (Jim) Anderson is Director of the James C. Kennedy Waterfowl and Wetlands Conservation Center, the James C. Kennedy Endowed Professor of Waterfowl and Wetland Ecology, and a faculty member in the Department of Forestry and Environmental Conservation at Clemson University. Before Clemson, he was a Wildlife and Fisheries Resources Professor and the Davis-Michael Professor of Forestry and Natural Resources at West Virginia University. His research centers on the ecology of wetland and riparian systems and wetland-dependent wildlife. He earned a B.S. in Wildlife (University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point), an M.S. in Range and Wildlife Management (Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Kingsville), and a Ph.D. in Wildlife Science (Texas Tech University). He has authored over 250 publications and mentored more than 60 graduate students. He has received numerous awards for research, teaching, and service.

Speech Title: Restoring Wetlands to Conserve Biodiversity and Promote Multiple Ecosystem Services

Abstract: Wetlands are some of the planet's most biologically diverse and productive ecosystems. They provide multiple ecosystem services, including water purification, flood control, shoreline stabilization, carbon sequestration, and biodiversity conservation. Wetlands are transitional areas between terrestrial and aquatic systems where the water table is usually at or near the surface or the land is covered by shallow water. Preserving natural wetlands is a priority; however, wetland mitigation is essential to an integrated wetland conservation policy. Wetland mitigation occurs when a wetland is converted to a non-wetland, a new wetland is created, or a former wetland is restored to mitigate the loss of wetland function. This presentation will delve into the basics of wetland ecology, historical wetland losses, restoration, and how biodiversity and ecosystem services respond to wetland restoration. Wetland restoration has improved over time, although older wetlands also perform better than younger wetlands, indicating wetlands need time to develop correctly.