Recent studies from Duke University have found some rather surprising new information. Changing water temperatures, rainfall patterns and seasonal flows that are linked to global warming may give invasive wetland species the upper hand in the marshes and wetlands over the less adaptive native species. The study found that human disturbances to watersheds and nutrient and sediment runoff into riparian wetlands over the coming years will further boost invasive species dominance. Each of the changes to these biomes will be somewhat small, but over time, will accumulate to more severe changes. These biomes are highly diverse and if precauitonary actions are not taken, these areas will be nothing more than Japanese knotweed, hydrilla, honeyshuckle, privet and other noxious invasive species. It could also affect the wetlands' ability to control flooding, store carbon, filter out water pollutants and provide wildlife habitat. This is the first study that shows the potential long term affects on plant communities in major river systems from global warming and land use. The Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) funded this study which is a major eye opener on future problems that may occur in the river ecosystems. Furthermore, the main cause of these issues are from global warming, an ever occurring event that is still being overlooked by the common person.