Research and field monitoring can disturb wetland integrity. Adoption of ethical field practices is needed to limit monitoring induced stressors such as trampling, non-native seed and invertebrate dispersal, and disease and fungal spread. We identify a linear pathway of deterioration highlighting stressors that can progress to cumulative impacts, consequences, and losses at the site scale. The first step to minimize disturbance is to assess and classify the current ecosystem quality. We present a tiered framework for wetland classification and link preventative measures to the wetland tier. Preventative measures are recommended at various intensities respective to the wetland tier, with higher tiered wetlands requiring more intense preventative measures. In addition, preventative measures vary by time of implementation (before, during, and after the wetland visit) to mitigate impacts at various temporal scales. The framework is designed to increase transparency of field monitoring impacts and to promote the adoption of preventative measures. Implementing preventative measures can build accountability and foster a greater appreciation for our roles as researchers and managers in protecting wetlands.

Wetland restoration is a common practice, and, in many cases, it is for mitigation to offset losses of natural wetlands due to human interference. Researchers commonly compare bird, amphibian, and reptile communities between these wetlands and natural wetlands but overlook small mammals. However, terrestrial small mammals are essential to consider as they serve a fundamental role in the ecosystem as seed dispersers and prey for larger wildlife. We conducted small mammal trapping on 26 wetlands (n = 14 restored, n = 12 natural) in West Virginia, USA, in the summers of 2020 and 2021 to obtain and compare community metrics between wetland types. We found that mass, occupancy probability, and community composition were similar between restored and natural wetlands. However, the apparent abundance of deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) was higher in natural wetlands (p < 0.001). Because we captured the three rarest species exclusively in natural wetlands, the ability of restored wetlands to provide an adequate habitat for rare or wetland-obligate species may be biologically significant. Restored wetlands mainly offer sufficient habitat for small mammal communities, but apparent abundance in restored wetlands may differ from natural wetlands depending on species.