Masters Theses

Date of Award

8-1992

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major

Planning

Major Professor

George E. Bowen

Abstract

Over 53% of wetlands in the United States since 1780 have been lost. Tennessee has been no exception with losses totaling 59%. The loss of wetlands means the loss of wetland benefits such as flood control, water quality, biodiversity, groundwater recharge, and wildlife habitat. The problem at present is how to protect wetlands. In Tennessee two problems complicate the need to identify effective protection for wetlands. First, there appears to be a lack of information in Tennessee concerning wetland protection policy alternatives. Policy makers in the state are not exposed to national wetland policy experts or to experiences of other states in wetland protection efforts. Second, the policy process in Tennessee is thwarted by special interests who dominate wetland policy debates and prevent agreement and compromise for wetland protection policy. This thesis study addressed these problems through four methods. One, the study identified the history and background of wetland losses and wetland policy in the United States and Tennessee as well as recent policy research. Second, a telephone survey was conducted of seven national wetland policy experts to help focus and provide direction to the study. Third, the study conducted a telephone survey of natural resource professionals and stakeholders in Tennessee to determine practical approaches to wetland protection. In addition areas of agreement were identified among the special interests and among a greater number of people interested in or affected by wetland policy issues. Fourth, the study used a case study of one state with natural resource and wetland protection legislation to identify successful approaches for wetland protection. From the data, the study presents four basic recommendations. First, Tennessee should develop new approaches for wetland policy by holistic natural resource management through a broad natural resource protection program that identifies critically threatened natural resources. Second, Tennessee should develop a wetland focus within its broad natural resource program that promotes no-net-loss policy, conservation education, "carrot and stick" protection, and overall fairness for affected parties. Third, private sector groups in Tennessee are asked to begin a coalition building, policy process to focus attention on natural resource issues, promote natural resource protection and develop specific action. Lastly, universities, the legislature, the state wetland task force and government agencies are asked to get more involved, pass and fund wetland protection policy, develop consistent guidelines and cooperate to solve resource problems respectively.

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