Oral Abstract Details

Author(s):
Mike Kensler

Affiliation:
Auburn University Water Resources Center

Presentation Type:
Oral

Topic Area:
Application of ecological research in land-use planning

Abstract Text:
Our understanding of the functioning of rivers as systems, including the importance of connectivity to groundwater, floodplains, and between upstream and downstream river segments, flow regime, geomorphology,and other factors, has grown significantly over the past twenty years. At the same time, water policy and management have not evolved to match our growing scientific understanding of rivers as systems and the ecosystem services they provide. The limits and liabilities of current approaches to water policy and management are becoming apparent throughout the Southeast and beyond as population growth and development place ever higher demands on limited water resources, and ongoing land use changes further disrupt the functioning of ecosystems and the provision of ecosystem services. This presentation will explore the disconnect between current policy and management practices and what we are learning about river systems, and identify opportunities for different, more sustainable approaches to land and water policy and management that better reflect our understanding of river ecosystems, and more accurately account for the beneficial services they provide.