Wetland Management Activities: To Save or Not to Save?

Picture of Wetlands, St. Charles Parish, Louisiana

In 1960, John Twiddle purchase speculative property. This property was believed to be in an expanding growth pattern of a major city. John purchased 2 acres for $1000 per acre. (Remember gasoline sold for .15 per gallon in 1960). This was swamp land and covered with water. Wetlands surrounding other areas of the city were being drained. John felt very good about his chances of the property increasing in value.

In 1980, the U.S. government enacted the Clean Water Act. Because of this the state declared large tracts of wetlands as endangered areas and stopped all development of the land. John’s property was part of the declared wetlands for the state. As John had no immediate plans for the property and taxes were only $15.85 per year, he was willing to let the property sit. After all, he felt he could afford the taxes as payment for wildlife habitat.

From time to time through the passing years, John would drive by the area. He observed areas of encroachment. As other areas of the city has built up, John noticed the drainage pattern has changed. The water level on his property seems to fluctuate. Over all it appeared as if his land was drying out and John wondered if the property would ever be worth anything.

It is now 1997 and John has received his yearly tax statement. As he opens the envelope, he receives the shock of his life! It has to be an error, a typo, something! John’s bill was for $792.50!!! What has happened? The next day, John received a letter from a reality company offering their services to sell the property. While John is still reeling from this turn of events, he receives a call from an investment broker offering him $2000.00 for his property, but before he can sell, he must pay the current taxes.

John is in a quandary. What should he do? What is going on? What is the best decision for him? He needs help so John turns to you. On his way to your home, he reads in the paper that several lawsuits and counter suits have been filed over this area. Upon arrival at your home, John tells you his story and asks you to help. You don’t know much about wetlands but you do agree to help your friend.

As you are doing your research, a landowners association hears about what you are doing. They approach you and ask if you will present an unbiased report at their next meeting. Your readily agree.

After reading the above story, you are to DO the following:

research wetlands, the Clean Water Act, EPA reports, Lawsuits, city encroachment.

write a formal paper including information found, analyzes of information, evaluation of data, and decide a course of action John should take.

Present information to class. Have a visual aide and a graph as part of your presentation.

Check rubric for grading criteria!!!

Back to Wetland Management Activities