Research Problem and Background:
Wetlands and riparian areas serve as a critical link in watersheds and aquatic ecosystems by maintaining water quality, water quantity, and fish and wildlife habitat. Approximately 50 percent of the historical wetlands in the U.S. have been lost, with over 90 percent lost in some areas of the west. Construction of wetlands and restoration of wetland and riparian areas offer an effective solution in curbing this loss and restoring habitat and water treatment capability within watersheds. A prerequisite for constructed wetland design and ecologically sound wetland conservation, rehabilitation, restoration, or enhancement is an understanding of the values and functions of wetlands and riparian areas. Evaluation of the physical, chemical, and biological attributes of wetland systems within a wide range of climatic conditions and geographical areas is necessary.

Project Objectives:
The goals of this project were to develop constructed and/or restored wetlands within a wide geographical area of the west and to begin to gather sound information on wetland functions, values, and uses for incorporation into the management of watersheds, water projects, and aquatic ecosystems.

Overall Outcome or Conclusions:
As part of this project, numerous wetland sites were evaluated, designed, or constructed throughout the west. These included sites in Idaho, North Dakota, Colorado, Nevada, California, New Mexico, and Arizona. It has been concluded that both wetland design and climatic conditions have a strong influence on water quality and wetland treatment capability, as well as on various attributes of fish and wildlife habitat.

Partners:
Numerous Bureau of Reclamation regional and area offices; USGS-BRD; City of Nogales, Arizona; City of Albuquerque, New Mexico; City of Las Vegas, Nevada; City of Boulder City, Nevada; Clark County, Nevada; Montgomery-Watson Engineering; Wright Water Engineers; City of Prescott, Arizona; Yavapai tribe; Rocky Mountain Shambhala Center, Colorado; Imperial Irrigation District, California; University of Texas; Arizona State University; and CEDEX in Spain.

Publications and/or Other Deliverables
We presented a workshop on constructed wetlands at LC Region, July, 1996. (A summary of guidance principles for design, construction, and operation of wetlands for use in managing water quality and providing wildlife habitat in aquatic ecosystems.)

We participated in numerous design charettes and workshops for planned constructed wetland projects. (In cooperation with Federal, state, and local agencies as well as universities and private companies.)

Beddow, T.E., R.A. Roline, and J.J. Sartoris. 1997. Phantom Lake Spring Wetland Restoration and Enhancement Project. USBR-TSC Technical Memorandum No. 8220-97-3.

Boutwell, J.E., R.D. Nelson, R.A. Roline, J.J. Sartoris, E.A. Stiles, and J.S. Thullen. 1996. Heart Butte Reservoir Wetlands Demonstration Project (Preliminary Draft Report). USBR-TSC and USBR-DKAO.

Rogers, D., R. Roline, and K. Sayer. 1997. Papago Park, City of Phoenix, Water Conservation Project. USBR-TSC.

Roline, R. 1997. Technical Analysis of the Proposed Sahuarita School District Constructed Wetland. Review of Design Memorandum. USBR-TSC to USBR-PAO.

Roline, R.A., J.F. Pattie, J.J. Sartoris, and J.S. Thullen. 1997. Wetland Wastewater Treatment Pilot Study Concept Plan - Nogales, Arizona. USBR-TSC Technical Memorandum No. 8220-97-4.