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The Value of a Wetland

A Case Study in Renewable Resource Management

By Thomas T. Yates

The Value of a Wetland


 

Abstract

This case study introduces students to the elements of a renewable resource management project. The issue of wetland drainage, for the purpose of increasing land available for annual crop production, is used to deliver the learning outcomes. Angela, a recent graduate who studied renewable resource management, is opposed to her uncle’s plan to drain the wetlands on his farm so that he can farm more acres. Angela wants to find a way to translate the environmental and social benefits of wetlands into economic benefits to show her uncle the true value of a wetland. The case is discussed in terms of what Angela needs to do to prepare and execute the project and achieve her objectives. This case also introduces the role of environmental modeling in the development of environmental policy. A detailed discussion guide is included in the teaching notes. Written for third-year undergraduate students pursuing a degree in renewable resource management, this case is relevant to upper-year students in any environmental-type degree program.

   

Date Posted

04/09/2015

Overview

Objectives

  • Understand the basic components of a project.
  • Get practice in developing a problem statement, identifying areas for a literature search, defining objects and scope, and identifying stakeholders.
  • Think about resources required for similar projects and specific sources of data required.
  • Understand the role of environmental models in the development of policy.
  • Consider how decisions about land management balance social, environmental and economic needs.

Keywords

Wetlands; wetland drainage; economic benefits; project management; environmental benefits; environmental modeling; proposal; deliverables; social benefits; stakeholders; problem statement; objectives; scope; literature review; Prairie Pothole Region

  

Subject Headings

Agriculture
Business / Management Science
Earth Science
Ecology
Environmental Science
Geography
Interdisciplinary Sciences
Natural Resource Management

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

Undergraduate upper division

  

FORMAT

PDF, PowerPoint

   

TOPICAL AREAS

Policy issues

   

LANGUAGE

English

   

TYPE/METHODS

Directed, Discussion

 

 

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