Biodiversity in Southeastern, Seasonally Ponded, Isolated Wetlands: Management and Policy Perspectives for Research and Conservation

BRIDGES is a recurring feature of J-NABS intended to provide a forum for the interchange of ideas and information between basic and applied researchers in benthic science. Articles in this series will focus on topical research areas and linkages between basic and applied aspects of research, monitoring policy, and education. Readers with ideas for topics should contact Associate Editors, Nick Aumen and Marty Gurtz. Isolated wetlands have received little attention as a specific ecosystem type, yet many development and regulatory programs affect them. This lack of recognition may stem from their small size, their variable hydrology, and lack of recognition of their regional significance in the southeast US. In recognition of this problem, and in response to a US National Research Council recommendation for more research in support of wetland protection, a group of individuals convened a workshop to discuss information needs and to develop strategies to protect southeastern isolated wetlands and their biodiversity. Because the organizers perceived a lack of linkage between researchers and managers, workshop participants included scientists, natural resource managers of public and private lands, and conservationists.