Graduation Year

2023

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree

Ph.D.

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Degree Granting Department

Biology (Integrative Biology)

Major Professor

David B. Lewis, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Andrew M. Kramer, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Luanna B. Prevost, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Shawn M. Landry, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Rebecca K. Zarger, Ph.D.

Keywords

Coupled human-natural systems, Depressional wetlands, Ecosystem services, Geographically-isolated wetlands, Groundwater extraction, Socio-ecological systems

Abstract

Freshwater wetlands provide essential ecosystem services that influence, and are influenced by, human perceptions and behaviors. I explore these feedbacks in the Tampa Bay region, which hosts numerous freshwater wetlands subjected to population increases, economic growth, and shifting management policies. These wetlands are embedded in urban and residential areas, where people can observe and respond to changes in wetland condition over time. I utilized long-term (1991–2018), high sample size (n=152) datasets to assess how wetland inundation responds to the interactive effects of climate variation and shifts in water conservation policies primarily related to cutbacks in groundwater extraction. As wetland ecosystem function is sensitive to changes in inundation, I further identified a subset of freshwater wetlands (n=30) to explore how cutbacks in groundwater extraction have influenced regulating, supporting, and cultural ecosystem services provided by wetlands. I measured these ecosystem services via soil and plant sampling as well as online surveys of over 500 visitors to wetlands across the Tampa Bay region.I found that low rainfall conditions that compelled increased appropriation of groundwater to meet human demands had the greatest impact on wetland inundation. Following groundwater extraction cutbacks, wetland hydrological recovery occurred in 57 % of wetlands studied including increases in the duration and magnitude of wetland inundation. While hydrological recovery began nearly immediately following cutbacks, many regulating, supporting, and cultural ecosystem services like carbon storage, soil formation, plant biodiversity, and aesthetic value are still negatively correlated with historic and current groundwater extraction rates. As ecosystem functions can take longer to recover following changes in inundation, more time may be needed for these services to rebound or further cutbacks may be needed. Throughout this dissertation, I demonstrate the necessity of using both natural and social science methods to disentangle complex feedbacks between human behaviors and wetland condition. To sustain landscapes for future generations, water managers must find the right balance between meeting human demands and protecting freshwater resources.

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