Tidal freshwater forested wetlands represent an intriguing and und- studied type of ecosystem in the southeastern United States. The phy- ographic position of tidal freshwater forested wetlands in occupying low lying, coastal areas makes them susceptible to upland runoff, tidal flo- ing, saltwater intrusion, and other global climate change phenomena. While information on them is rather sparse in the scientific literature, these ecosystems are among the most sensitive to sea-level rise and increased drought or flood frequency. Tidal freshwater forested wetlands are readily impacted by acute and chronic exposure to even low levels of salinity. The combined stress of flooding and salinity may compound the threat in these systems such that the margin for survival and compensation to changing climate is much less than for other coastal habitats. In this book, we bring together principal investigators whose research focus has targeted the - drology, biogeochemistry, community ecology, forestry, stress physiology, and restoration of tidal freshwater forested wetlands in the southeastern United States. It is our foremost intent to develop an up-to-date treatise that includes not only peer-reviewed journal articles but also the dispersive grey literature on the topic in order to spark future research interest in tidal freshwater forested wetlands and to provide land managers with a concise overview of research findings. We have thus formalized all scientific and common names into the standard of ITIS (Integrated Taxonomic Infor- tion System, http://www. itis.

Tidal freshwater forested wetlands are unique wetland systems. Occupying low relief coastal areas which are subject to both upland runoff and tidal flooding, these systems are especially vulnerable to pressure from human development and to climate change impacts of sea-level rise and increased drought/flood frequency. Yet to date the ecological dynamics, distribution, and conservation status of these communities is poorly understood.

This book draws together the latest findings from investigators focusing on the hydrological processes, community organization, and stress physiology of freshwater, tidally influenced land-margin forests of the southeastern United States. It describes the land use history that led to the restricted distribution of these wetlands, and provides descriptions of the hydrology, soils, biogeochemistry, and physiological ecology of these systems, highlighting the similarities shared among tidal freshwater forested wetlands.

Including case studies from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Louisiana, Ecology of Tidal Freshwater Forested Wetlands of the Southeastern United States will be an important resource for researchers, natural resource managers and students interested in understanding the complex dynamics of this unique coastal ecosystem; one that has been altered by land-use history and which is now undergoing decline due to changing climate, sea-level rise and hurricanes. In particular, it provides current knowledge on those biological, geological, hydrological and physical forcing factors that may influence the possible alternatives and likely success of coastal restoration projects for these vulnerable ecosystems.

From the reviews:

"Tidal freshwater wetlands, upstream from saline coastal estuaries, present remarkable habitats now threatened by a variety of factors including climate change and sea level rise. The editors, along with 50 contributors ? here present recent, much-needed studies of these endangered areas. ? The volume offers good reviews of the current use and conservation of these forested wetlands, with ample suggestions about future research needs. ? This handbook is well referenced and illustrated throughout. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-level undergraduate through professionals/practitioners." (C. Leck, CHOICE, Vol. 45 (5), January, 2008)

"The editors of this book have successfully brought together ecologists actively engaged in research on these systems ? and widely dispersed grey literature to provide a comprehensive review of research findings. ? For those interested in coastal wetlands, or systems that are driven by strong hydrological fluctuations, this book will be a valuable resource." (Siobhan Fennessy, Ecology, Vol. 89 (10), 2008)