Speaker: Toby Days
Wetlands are the unsung heroes of Indiana’s landscapes, providing essential ecosystem services such as water filtration, flood mitigation, biodiversity preservation, and carbon sequestration. Despite their critical role, Indiana has lost over 85% of its original wetlands, leaving these vital ecosystems at risk. This presentation explores the ecological importance of wetlands, their status in Indiana, and the challenges they face due to policy changes, development, and environmental degradation. Using science-based insights and real-world examples, we will delve into successful restoration initiatives and advocate for integrating nature-based solutions into urban planning and conservation efforts. The session will also present actionable steps to protect and restore wetlands, including community engagement strategies, policy advocacy, and scalable restoration techniques.
Toby Days is a seasoned environmental professional with over 20 years of experience in sustainable agriculture, water quality, and natural resource management. He currently serves as the Sustainable Agriculture Director at the Hoosier Environmental Council, leading legislative advocacy and supporting regenerative farming and water stewardship initiatives.
Previously, Toby spent 21 years with the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water, providing technical assistance to rural communities and securing significant funding for water protection projects that ensure rural and disadvantaged communities had access to fresh clean drinking water. He holds both a B.S. in Agricultural & Biological Engineering and an M.S. in Forestry & Natural Resources from Purdue University.
Sponsored by Christopher Moore
Program: Indiana’s Wetlands: Nature’s Guardians and Our Call to Protect Them
Speaker: Toby Days, MS, Sustainable Agriculture Director, Hoosier Environmental Council
Introduced By: Chris Moore
Attendance: NESC: 0, Zoom: 68 (Zoom only due to Sunday’s snowstorm.)
Guest(s): not noted on Zoom
Scribe: Alan Schmidt
Editor: Carl Warner
Talk’s Zoom recording found at: https://www.scientechclubvideos.org/zoom/01262026.mp4
|
Speaker Toby Days is a seasoned environmental professional with over 20 years of experience in sustainable agriculture, water quality, and natural resource management. He currently serves as the Sustainable Agriculture Director at the Hoosier Environmental Council, leading legislative advocacy, and supporting regenerative farming and water stewardship initiatives. Toby spent 21 years with the Alliance of Indiana Rural Water, providing technical assistance to rural communities and securing significant funding for water protection projects that ensure rural and disadvantaged communities had access to fresh clean drinking water. He holds both a B.S. in Agricultural & Biological Engineering and an M.S. in Forestry and Natural Resources from Purdue University.
Wetlands are the unsung heroes of Indiana's landscapes. They play a vital role by filtering water, reducing flooding, supporting wildlife, and storing carbon. Yet more than 90% of Indiana’s original wetlands have been lost. The presentation highlighted why wetlands matter, the challenges they face from development and policy changes, and successful restoration efforts. It also shared practical ways communities can help protect and restore these important ecosystems.
|
|
|
|
Importance of Wetlands
- Ecological Role:
-
- Wetlands filter pollutants, store floodwaters, and recharge groundwater.
- They are crucial for biodiversity, providing habitat for numerous species.
- Economic Benefits:
-
- Wetlands reduce flood damage, improve water quality, and support recreation and tourism.
- Each acre of wetland protects communities and promotes resilience against climate change.
Wetland Definitions
- Scientific Definition: Areas where water covers the soil or is near the surface, leading to unique hydrology and soil development.
- Significance: Essential for the life cycles of 40% of animal and plant species, acting as a biodiversity hub.
Current Wetland Loss
- Indiana has lost approximately 90% of its original wetlands, with ongoing threats to remaining wetlands due to development.
Federal and State Policies
- Clean Water Act: Governs water pollution and protects wetlands through jurisdictional definitions influenced by Supreme Court cases.
- Recent Changes: Shifts in the definition of "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS) have altered protections for wetlands, influenced by political changes over the years.
Local Wetland Management
- Indiana categorizes wetlands into three classes, with only Class 3 wetlands receiving significant protection.
- Recent legislative changes have downgraded many wetlands, reducing their protection status.
Future Directions
- The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is developing a statewide water management plan to assess and manage water resources, integrating wetland considerations.
- Community engagement in this process is vital, with opportunities for public feedback on water concerns.
What Can You Do?
- If you want to build climate resiliency – restore wetlands.
- If you want to fight climate change – plant trees, preserve wetlands.
- Promote local stormwater policy that protects wetlands and streams.
- Incorporate wetland features in your designs as stormwater management or as a focal point and green space.
Summary & Key Takeaways
- Wetlands are vital ecological and economic assets, providing essential services that benefit communities and biodiversity.
- Ongoing loss of wetlands poses significant risks to environmental health and requires active management and restoration efforts.
- Engagement and advocacy are necessary to ensure effective protection and restoration of wetlands within local and federal frameworks.
- Upcoming Events: World Wetlands Day February 2, 2026 celebrations and opportunities for public involvement in water management discussions.
Toby Days
(Photo: HEC)
