Wetlands

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Wetlands
If you dare!
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I. What is a Wetland?
A. Wetlands
1. Definition transitional lands between
terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
2. Defining characteristics
a. Vegetation - supports plants that have
adapted to grow submerged in water
b. Soil - substrate is mostly waterlogged clay
soil
c. Hydrology - area saturated by water for part
or all of year -
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II. Wetland Values
1. Food Web Support
a. Wetland habitats among the most productive
ecosystems
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II. Wetland Values (continued)
2. Fish Wildlife Habitat
1. Species use wetlands for breeding, raising
young, feeding, nesting cover
3. Flood Control- Reduced Storm Impact
1. Slow runoff by acting as sponges
2. Detention basin - retain flood waters
3. Reduce riverbank erosion
FLOOD CONTROL FIGURE
4. Water Quality Improvement - Wetlands
Kidneys of the Land
1. Sediment removal - water slows down sediment
drops out
2. Filtration/biological uptake- susceptible to
toxic accumulation
3. Wetlands constructed for the purpose of
treating storm wastewater .
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II. Wetland Values (continued)
5. Shore Stabilization
1. Unprotected shores more susceptible to erosion
6. Groundwater Recharge - net movement of
surface water to groundwater
1. Recharge as a function of soil depth,
permeability bedrock
7. Recreation
Hunting, bird watching,water recreation
8. Education
9. Aesthetic Value
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III. Wetland Loss Conservation
A. Reasons for Wetland Loss Conservation
1. Urbanization
2. Farming
3. Salt production
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IV. Wetland Protection

• In U.S. Federal permit required to fill
  wetlands more than 3 acres

• Good News
• law has cut wetland loss by 80 since 1969

• Bad News
• attempts to weaken law
• not all wetlands under federal protection -
  local, state protection is weak

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Measuring Nitrates Phosphates? Normal Parameters
Phosphates Total Phosophate concentrations of Non-polluted waters lt .1ppm (mg/L)
Nitrates less than or equal to .6 ppm (mg/L)