"Wetlands are an important part of the Canadian landscape.  They cover about 16% of the nation's land surface - that's more than every other country on Earth, except Russia.  Even in pre-confederation Newfoundland, prime ministers recognized the prevalence of wetlands; one described the colony's chief attributes as 'hogs, fogs, bogs, and dogs.'
    Originally, Wetlands in this country were thought of as valueless wastelands, and much wetland was drained or otherwise destroyed.  In recent years, this view has changed.  Wetlands are now seen as a vital link in a healthy environment and ecosystem.  Many governments, companies, individuals and private organizations are working to preserve and protect the remaining wetlands, and to restore wetlands that have been damaged by human activity."
    -- excerpt from our pamphlet on Engineered Wetlands

The workshop focused on definitions and classifications of natural, restored, and created wetlands.  Values and uses of natural and created habitat, treatment, and water quality control wetlands were major themes at the workshop.  Created wetland project planning, maintenance and monitoring were examined using selected case studies.  We also had the distinct pleasure of having four local speakers in addition to our keynote speaker.  They profiled the local activities of North American Waterfowl Management Plan and the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture.  Approximately 27 people spent the day with these five experts learning about constructed wetlands.
 
 

This is Dr. Barry Warner, professor of biology, earth sciences and geography at the University of Waterloo, and the Director of the Wetlands Research Centre at the University of Waterloo, giving one of his afternoon talks.  Dr. Warner sits on many national and international committees dealing with wetland issues and research.  He teaches courses on wetlands at the undergraduate and graduate levels and has presented short courses on the topic all over North America.  His research efforts concentrate on the ecosystem dynamics of natural, restored, and constructed wetlands, and the causes and consequences of change with particular emphasis on peatlands.
 
 
 

Mr. Gerry Yetman addresses an audience question during the mid-afternoon panel discussion. (L-R) Dr. Barry Warner, Mr. Derek Osborne, Ms. Susan Richter, P. Eng. (Moderator), Mr. Terry Fleet, and Mr. Gerry Yetman.

Some Info About our speakers:

Terry Fleet possesses a B.Sc. degree in Physical Geography, conferred in 1986. He has worked as a Military Engineering Officer with the Canadian Forces where he completed training at the Canadian Forces School of Military Engineering in Chilliwack, B.C. He subsequently worked for the Water Resources Division of the Newfoundland Department of Environment and Lands. He is presently employed as an Agricultural Drainage Specialist with the Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods.
Susan Richter is a professional engineer specializing in hydrology and hydrotechnical engineering.  She presently works for Acres International in St. John's as the Senior Hydrotechnical Engineer.  She possesses Bachelors and Masters degrees in Civil Engineering from Memorial University in St. John's.
Derek Osborne possesses a B.Sc. (Honours) in biology from Memorial University.  He has been involved with wetland conservation and enhancement, specifically municipal stewardship and beaver pond enhancement.  He has worked with Ducks Unlimited and the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture, where he currently works as a Wetlands Biologist.
Gerry Yetman was a technical coordinator at the Memorial Univeristy Botanical Gardens for 21 years, where he was primarily involved in the management and development of the nature reserve component of the Gardens.  He spent one year as the Acting Curator at the Gardens.  He is presently employed as a Wetlands Biologist with the Eastern Habitat Joint Venture.

Last Update: February 16, 2001 12:19:02 AM.