A wetland is converted to a golf course; which management choice most reduces harm to nearby wetlands?
- Apply fertilizers before heavy rain to wash nutrients into wetlands quickly, reducing the need for repeated applications.
- Use integrated pest management and maintain vegetated buffers to reduce chemical runoff and sediment transport into wetlands. (correct answer)
- Remove buffer vegetation to improve airflow, because plants are the main source of nutrient pollution to wetlands.
- Increase irrigation withdrawals from the wetland to keep greens green, because wetlands recharge instantly after pumping.
Explanation: Converting wetlands to golf courses often increases nutrient and pesticide runoff, leading to eutrophication and contamination in adjacent wetlands. Integrated pest management minimizes chemical use, while vegetated buffers filter runoff, trapping sediments and absorbing nutrients before they reach wetlands. Choice B is the best practice for reducing harm. Applying fertilizers before rain (A) increases runoff. Removing buffers (C), increasing irrigation (D), and lining waterways (E) exacerbate pollution or habitat loss. Proper management preserves wetland functions like water purification and biodiversity support. This approach balances development with ecosystem protection.