Climate- and Land-use Change Impacts on Ecosystem Services provided by Prairie Pothole Wetlands

Author

Alina Mullins, University of San FranciscoFollow

Date of Graduation

Fall 12-13-2024

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Science in Environmental Management (MSEM)

College/School

College of Arts and Sciences

Department/Program

Environmental Management

First Advisor

Amalia Kokkinaki

Abstract

Prairie pothole wetlands are a type of depressional, isolated wetland that can be found in the glaciated landscape of the mid-central United States and portions of southern Canada, also referred to as the Prairie Pothole Region (PPR). The region is consistently recognized for its historic production and support of migratory waterfowl populations among other types of mammals and invertebrates largely due to the variability in pothole wetlands water levels and vegetative structure. Isolated from other waterbodies and lacking surface water connections, the hydrology of prairie pothole wetlands is influenced by the region’s continental climate. Historically, the region receives much of water inputs from springtime snowmelt and precipitation events. However, under different emission scenarios, global climate change could increase the temperature of the region between 0.8 to 8.4 °C and lead to increased precipitation patterns. Coupled with historic and continued land-use change and wetland drainage in support of agricultural production, the hydrology of prairie potholes is likely to change. Changing hydrologic conditions are likely to have larger ramifications on ecosystem services provided by these wetlands, including the ability to buffer against flood events and the ability to maintain habitat and nursery populations, specifically for migratory waterfowl. As prairie potholes lack federal protections under the Clean Water Act, continued implementation of voluntary conservation programs is needed to conserve the remaining pothole wetlands and the services they provide. Opportunities to enhance voluntary conservation efforts should consider climate simulation models to identify high risk areas and seek to incentivize conservation in these locations.

Recommended Citation

Mullins, Alina, "Climate- and Land-use Change Impacts on Ecosystem Services provided by Prairie Pothole Wetlands" (2024). Master's Projects and Capstones. 1845.
https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/1845