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Geographically Isolated Wetlands: Why We Should Keep the Term

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Abstract

Use of the term “isolated wetlands” in the U.S. Supreme Court’s SWANCC decision created confusion, since it could imply functional isolation. In response, the term “geographically isolated wetlands” (GIWs) – wetlands surrounded by uplands – was introduced in 2003. A recent article revisits the term, concluding that it is a misnomer that adds to the confusion. Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) type and non-adjacency to jurisdictional waters are suggested as alternatives. To address this issue, I pose two questions: is there a need to identify wetlands surrounded by uplands and what to call them? Regarding the former, there is a legal/regulatory need resulting from the Court’s Rapanos decision: to help determine whether such wetlands have a significant nexus with traditional navigable waters. There is also a scientific need to understand how the normal lack of surface water connectivity affects function. Regarding the second question, neither HGM type nor non-adjacency adequately identifies wetlands surrounded by uplands. I contend that “GIW” remains the most informative option. However, the term needs to be applied properly and researchers should emphasize that being surrounded by uplands does not imply hydrological or biological isolation. Further, conclusions from one GIW type should be extrapolated to other GIWs with great care.

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Acknowledgments

This paper is an outgrowth, in part, of the “Geographically Isolated Wetlands Research Workshop” that was convened and co-hosted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development and the Joseph W. Jones Ecological Research Center that was held in Newton, GA, November 18-21, 2013. I thank the workshop organizers and all participants for stimulating and thought-provoking discussions. Thanks also to James Jawitz, Kay Kirkman, and three anonymous reviewers for comments on this manuscript. I am indebted to Rose Kwok of EPA’s Wetlands Division for helping me summarize post-Rapanos guidance and the new Clean Water Rule. I would especially like to acknowledge Dave Mushet for serving as a worthy, but gentlemanly, debate partner. The information in this document has been funded entirely by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This manuscript has been subjected to Agency review and has been approved for publication. Mention of trade names or commercial products does not constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.

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  1. US Environmental Protection Agency, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Western Ecology Division, 200 SW 35th St, Corvallis, OR, 97333, USA

    Scott G. Leibowitz

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Correspondence to Scott G. Leibowitz.

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Leibowitz, S.G. Geographically Isolated Wetlands: Why We Should Keep the Term. Wetlands 35, 997–1003 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13157-015-0691-x

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