Download Wetlands

If you dare!
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 -
II. Wetland Values
1. Food Web Support
a. Wetland habitats among the most productive ecosystems
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 .
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
III. Wetland Loss & Conservation
A. Reasons for Wetland Loss & Conservation
1. Urbanization
2. Farming
3. Salt production
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
Measuring Nitrates & Phosphates? Normal Parameters
Phosphates
Total Phosophate
concentrations of Non-polluted
waters < .1ppm (mg/L)
Nitrates
less than or equal to .6 ppm
(mg/L)