h?v=BeUPbGWg2KU ft_2nj96jLM

January 2002 Wetlands Wetlands are areas that are periodically or permanently inundated by surface or ground water and support vegetation adapted for life in saturated soil. Wetlands include swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas.

Types of Wetlands Marshes Bogs Swamps There are Three Major Types of Wetlands:

Marshes areas where the soil is periodically or permanently flooded with water. dominated by soft stemmed grasses have shallow water. fiddlercrabs

Marshes Marsh plants: - cattails - rushes - bur weed - water lilies Marsh animals can be very diverse. - Green heron

Bogs Associated with evergreens Usually found in areas with short growing seasons and lower temperatures. pH less than 5

Bogs Little or no drainage Acidified by rotting vegetation, Some open water surrounded by a floating mat of sedges, sphagnum mosses, and other acid-loving species. A quagmire, which trembles or gives way underfoot.

Swamps dominated by trees and shrubs (woody plants)  often occur along river floodplains, subtropical to tropical coasts and in quiet lakes.  inhabited by an abundant variety of animals

Swamps… SWAMPS are fed primarily by surface water inputs and are dominated by trees and shrubs. Swamps occur in either freshwater or saltwater floodplains. They are characterized by very wet soils during the growing season and standing water during certain times of the year  Forested swamps-Receive floodwater from nearby rivers and streams. Trees include bald cypress, water tupelo, white oak, and red maple.  Shrub swamps-Similar to forested accept buttonbush and swamp rose dominate.  Mangrove swamps-Coastal wetlands characterized by salt-tolerant trees and plants.

Swamps… Forested Swamp Mangrove Swamp

Types of wetlands in the US Coastal/Tidal wetlands: salt water and fresh water mix due to tidal action. Found around the Gulf, Atlantic, Pacific and Alaskan coasts. Regional example is Jamaica Bay.

Types of wetlands in the US Inland wetlands: Include marshes, swamps, and wet meadows. Great Swamp in New Jersey.

January 2002 What do wetlands do? Wetland Functions Habitat nesting, spawning, rearing and resting sites for aquatic and land species, food chain production Hydrology protection of other areas from wave action and erosion, storage areas for storm water and flood water, ground and surface water aquifer recharge Water water quality protection, water filtration and Quality purification, treatment of nonpoint source runoff

January 2002 maintain biodiversity maintain biodiversity provide habitat for animals provide habitat for animals maintain water quality maintain water quality support commercial fishing, forestry support commercial fishing, forestry reduce flood damage reduce flood damage hiking, fishing, hunting, hiking, fishing, hunting, bird watching, boating bird watching, boating aesthetic value aesthetic value Why are wetlands important? Wetland Values Did you know? Nationwide, an estimated 50 million people spend approximately $10 billion annually observing and photographing wetland-dependent birds.

January 2002 There are many different kinds of wetlands. People place different values on them based on the functions they perform.

How Does a wetland work

January 2002 Where are wetlands located? Wetlands are located throughout NC Wetlands are located throughout NC There are two kinds of maps in NC that show the locations and types of wetlands: There are two kinds of maps in NC that show the locations and types of wetlands: 1. National Wetland Inventory (NWI) Maps 2. DCM Wetland Type Maps

January 2002 The following slides show photos of wetland types typically found in Coastal North Carolina.

January 2002 Riverine Swamp Forest

January 2002 Headwater Swamp

January 2002 Swamp Forest

January 2002 Pocosin Wetland

January 2002 Hard Wood FlatWet Pine Flat

January 2002 Tidal Salt Marsh

What happens to the wetlands? Some wetlands continue to exist but are degraded by the effects of fertilizers, pesticides, and oil runoff.

Destruction of wetlands: Intrusion of nonnative species Draining wetlands for agricultural purposes and mosquito control Dikes and dams to form ponds and lakes Pollution from landfills Removal of vegetation Air pollution

The Disappearing Wetlands loss of 70, ,000 acres per year in the U.S. (EPA) More than half have turned into land. Acres lost to new houses, businesses and farms.

In 200 years 11% 5%

1982 Report to Congress, re: 1950s to 1970s 9.2 million acres lost average annual loss of 458,000 acres 87 percent to agriculture Report to Congress, re: 1970s to 1980s 2.6 million acres lost average annual loss of 290,000 acres agriculture largest single reason Recent report: Rate of wetland loss continues to decline. Fish & Wildlife Service: National Wetlands Inventory (NWI)

How it Affects the U.S Wetland lost -- -> increased salt levels The high amount of salt kills vegetation and trees.

How do Wetlands help? a key link in watershed management. protects water quality controls flooding serves as home for many plants and animals. economy has a significant connection to wetlands.

Efforts to Conserve Wetlands The Nature Conservancy Proposes: Rehabilitation Construction of new wetlands The U.S Army Corps of Engineers: issue permits to control activities in wetlands. minimize damage to wetlands.

Government Action to Preserve Wetlands The “No-Net-Loss” Plan (Dec. 2002)- for every acre of wetland lost, it would be replaced with an acre of artificial wetland.

Government Action & Effectiveness Section 404 of the Clean Water Act was enacted to control wetland development This law is not effective and has many loopholes. Few states have wetland programs No true national program to protect wetlands

Restoration Needed Wetlands are in poor conditions Man-made wetlands lack a rich biodiversity Need to restore to its natural state Restoration is a very long and complex process.

Bibliography Know Your Watershed In Canada's Wilderness, Measuring the Cost of Oil Profits Wetlands Losses in the United States 1780's to 1980's m Wetland Loss Index 1780s-1990s Wetland Losses in the United States: Scope, Causes, Impacts, and Future Prospects

References pg pg grass_prairie_moni3.jpg grass_prairie_moni3.jpg Hoving.jpg Hoving.jpg