Wetlands, What are They and Why Do We Need Them?
The definition of wetland in the dictionary reads;
Function: noun
:land or areas (as tidal flats or swamps) containing much soil moisture
This is a very vague description; Wetlands can actually not even appear to be wet!
Most people would associate a wetland with a swamp or tidal flat as mentioned above but there are varied scenarios for wetlands. The common characteristics all wetlands require is soil and water whether the water is in liquid or solid form. This would include coastline areas between seas and oceans, river estuaries where freshwater from rivers meet the saltwater of the sea. Floodplain areas next to rivers and marshes and swamps where water is causing soil saturation or sits at the surface the majority of the time.
What few people understand is the importance of a wetland ecosystem to plants, trees, migratory birds, fish, insects, but how beneficial they are to mankind . Wetlands play an essential part in the regulation of river flow; providing flood control by soaking up water that falls as rain or spring snowmelt run-off absorbing it like a sponge and providing a much slower release into the environment. Wetlands also have important filtering capabilities by intercepting surface- water runoff from higher land before the runoff reaches open water that could be our seas, rivers, reservoirs or groundwater. Many Americans depend on groundwater for drinking. In performing this filtering function, wetlands save us a great deal of money lessening the need for wastewater treatment plants in some areas. Wetlands help to moderate global climate conditions by storing carbon within their plant communities and soil instead of releasing it to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide. Wetlands at the margins of lakes, rivers, bays, and the ocean protect shorelines and stream banks against erosion, in addition to be a first line of defense form surges caused by storms and hurricanes. We use a multitude of products derived from wetlands, including fish, shellfish, blueberries, cranberries, timber, and medicines that are derived from wetland soils and plants just to name a few. More than one-third of the United States' threatened and endangered species live only in wetlands, and nearly half use wetlands at some point in their lives. We also enjoy wetlands through hiking, boating, and bird watching along with other recreational activities.
Federal government protects wetlands through regulations like Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. Many states have enacted laws regulating wetland activities; along with local counties and towns adopting wetland protection ordinances changing the way development is permitted in wetland areas. Restoring these wetlands and improving aquatic habitats have become imperative to maintaining an ecological balance. Our Governments cannot do this alone. By a variety of organizations promoting appreciation and educating the public of the vital role wetlands and coastal ecosystems play in the survival of life on this planet. Restoration and management of privately owned wetlands are critical, over 75 percent of wetlands in the United States are privately owned. The problem of degrading wetlands from pollution, urbanization, and drainage are not insurmountable, if private citizens do more to protect their own wetland areas the impact on our environment would be tremendous. So what does this mean to the landowner should they not use or disturb the wetland portions of their property? Believe it or not that is not the answer. By instead using wetlands for a compatible use such as waterfowl production, fur harvest, hay and forage, hunting and trapping leases, and or selective timber harvest instead of either filling or draining the wetlands this minimizes their alteration and destruction. Selecting upland sites instead of wetlands sites for development; if selecting a different location isn’t an option than reducing the impact in the wetland area needed and enhancing the remaining wetlands is an alternative. The more private landowners do to augment their own wetlands and set a better example to encourage neighbors, developers, and state and local governments to protect the function and value of wetlands.
The best thing to do is get involved find out where wetlands exist near your home, learn more about wetland restoration activities in your area, support opportunities and educational efforts. Support wetlands and watershed protection initiatives by public agencies and private organizations.
