Atrazine, cyanazine, metolachlor, alachlor, metribuzin, and trifluralin were all detected, most at concentrations just above the detection limit. Of note was the fact that different pesticides were found in the wells in contrast to the fens. There are several possible explanations. The movement of pesticides in fens may be retarded with the result that the pesticides may represent last year's or even older field applications. Direct physical threats also exist to Iowa's fens.
Cattle trampling can cause serious and sometimes irreversible damage.
Draining of fens is another irreversible alteration. Even tapping fens for watering livestock can alter their flow characteristics and cause detrimental changes. Our studies of Iowa fens are continuing. Further stratigraphic studies will include topographic mapping, peat-thickness mapping, and collecting samples for radiocarbon dates. Detailed water-quality studies will be done on selected sites.