Bridging Conservation and Disaster Recovery: A Dual Study on Wetland Program Plans Evaluation and Midwest Post Disaster Recovery Assessment

Authors

Rao Nargis Jahan, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow

First Advisor

Zhenghong Tang

Committee Members

Yunwoo Nam, Tian Li

Date of this Version

12-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Citation

A thesis presented to the faculty of the Graduate College at the University of Nebraska in partial fulfillment of requirements for the degree of Master of Community and Regional Planning

Major: Community and Regional Planning

Under the supervision of Professor Zhenghong Tang

Lincoln, Nebraska, December 2025

Comments

Copyright 2025, Rao Nargis Jahan. Used by permission

Abstract

Wetlands provide essential ecological, social, and economic benefits for our society. In the United States, states and tribes play crucial roles in wetland protection, restoration, and management. However, no research has systematically measured state-level wetland planning efforts towards national conservation goals. This study is the first to comprehensively evaluate how state-level Wetland Program Plans (WPPs) align with national missions, particularly the "no-net-loss" of wetlands goal. Our research assesses the EPA-approved state-level WPPs from 42 out of 50 states in the United States during the period from 2015 to 2024. Using a protocol of 30 indicators across five categories, this study identifies the strengths and gaps in these plans. The results indicate an overall performance score of 73.3%, on a scale of 0-100%, for all indicators, indicating that these state-level WPPs have performed reasonably well in integrating state-wide resources and tools to protect and enhance wetland resources, despite diverse natural systems and different social contexts. The observed strengths include robust platforms for coordination, communication, and participation, solid implementation mechanisms, and comprehensive policies, tools, and strategies. The "No Net Loss" of wetlands indicator scored 0.51 on a scale of 0 to 1, reflecting modest progress but highlighting the need for clearer commitments at the state level. The findings of this study support a promising trend and an integrative planning approach across states, highlighting that most WPPs have made moderate commitments towards wetland conservation and restoration, integrating them into broader environmental protection initiatives. This research provides practical insights for planners, wetland managers, and environmentalists nationwide, aiming to incorporate wetland conservation into local and state-level planning frameworks.

Advisor: Zhenghong Tang