U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Wetlands Research Program (WRP)

The WRP was a four-year program designed to advance the state of the art of wetlands science, engineering, and technology. Major research areas were

Critical Processes.

Research addressed hydraulics, hydrology, sedimentation, erosion, water quality, and soils processes that affect wetlands.

Delineation and Evaluation of Wetlands.

Methods to define the boundaries of wetlands by soil characteristics, hydrology, and vegetation, and to assess the ecological value of wetlands, were studied and examined.

Restoration and Establishment of Wetlands.

Techniques for ensuring the success of restored and newly developed wetlands were surveyed and evaluated.

Stewardship and Management of Wetlands.

Better ways to inventory and manage Corps-owned wetlands were developed. Also included were studies assessing wetland changes and the cumulative impacts associated with these changes.

Results of the program support the Corps' regulatory community, but also have broad application to aspects of wetlands management and stewardship. Emerging information has application to all wetlands. Research results are converted into user-friendly teaching tools, such as field guides, how-to videos, and PC-based evaluation programs, as well as published in reports, bulletins, technical notes, etc.

The Corps WRP is part of the Wetlands Research & Technology Center (WRTC), Environmental Laboratory, U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). The WRTC consolidates administrative, technological, and research skills in the area of wetlands science and engineering that are available at ERDC. The WRTC supports a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to the stewardship of resources entrusted to the care of the Corps and serves the Corps, the U.S. Army and other Department of Defense agencies, other Government agencies, academia, industry, and the general public.

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Updated March 27, 1998