Prairie Wetland Complexes as Landscape Functional Units in a Changing Climate

Authors

W.Carter Johnson, South Dakota State University
Brett Werner
Glenn R. Guntenspergen
Richard A. Voldseth
Bruce Millett
David E. Naugle
Mirela Tulbure
Rosemary W.H. Carroll
John Tracy
Craig Olawsky

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-2010

Keywords

Prairie Pothole Wetlands, Hydrology, Numeric Models, Climate Change, Waterfowl

Abstract

The wetland complex is the functional ecological unit of the prairie pothole region (PPR) of central North America. Diverse complexes of wetlands contribute high spatial and temporal environmental heterogeneity, productivity, and biodiversity to these glaciated prairie landscapes. Climate warming simulations using the new model WETLANDSCAPE (WLS) project major reductions in water volume, shortening of hydroperiods, and less-dynamic vegetation for prairie wetland complexes. The WLS model portrays the future PPR as a much less resilient ecosystem: The western PPR will be too dry and the eastern PPR will have too few functional wetlands and nesting habitat to support historic levels of waterfowl and other wetland-dependent species. Maintaining ecosystem goods and services at current levels in a warmer climate will be a major challenge for the conservation community.

Publication Title

Bioscience

Volume

60

Issue

2

First Page

128

Last Page

140

Pages

13

DOI of Published Version

10.1525/bio.2010.60.2.7

Recommended Citation

Johnson, W.Carter; Werner, Brett; Guntenspergen, Glenn R.; Voldseth, Richard A.; Millett, Bruce; Naugle, David E.; Tulbure, Mirela; Carroll, Rosemary W.H.; Tracy, John; and Olawsky, Craig, "Prairie Wetland Complexes as Landscape Functional Units in a Changing Climate" (2010). Natural Resource Management Faculty Publications. 260.
https://openprairie.sdstate.edu/nrm_pubs/260