The goal of the synthesis is to use the scientific literature to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of USDA programs/practices and similar activities in various regions of the country. The synthesis will first summarize literature on regional wetland classes, the ecosystem services those wetlands provide, and stressors/processes influencing the services (negatively and positively). Authors will then describe the state of knowledge about USDA conservation practice effects (including wetland restoration) on ecosystem services provided by the regional wetlands on agricultural landscapes.
The applications of this synthesis will include: (a) whether particular conservation practices are having the intended beneficial effects on wetlands in different regions and across regions; (b) whether some conservation practices intended to have beneficial effects on wetlands are not doing so, (c) whether some conservation practices, Farm Bill programs, or non-USDA programs or activities are having effects on wetlands that run counter to the beneficial effects of conservation practices, (d) whether there are practices and activities not yet included as Farm Bill “conservation practices” that should be, and (e) identify knowledge gaps where research is needed to understand the effects of conservation practices on wetlands.
