Book Description

The purpose of this study is to provide a review of historical wetland conditions in the lower Green River Valley, as well as changes in infrastructure and land use. There is also characterization of changes in the wetland environment and generalized land use patterns of the Mill Creek Drainage Basin (a sub-basin of the lower Green River Valley) between 1850 and 1990. This characterization provides historical points of reference and comparison for present and future wetland analysis, planning and management. The lower Green River Valley was characterized as having extensive flood plain forests before Euro-American settlement. Extensive wetland areas were also found in the valley. Euro-American settlement resulted in a conversion of almost all of the forested areas first to agriculture and then to industries. This conversion to industrial use is ongoing along with associated suburbanized and commercial activity. Extensive flood control modifications have altered the valley's hydrology, however, significant areas of wetlands still remain.