2. Wetlands If you dare!

3. I. What is a Wetland? A.Wetlands: 1.Definition: transitional lands between terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. 2.Defining characteristics: c. Hydrology - area saturated by water for part or all of year - b. Soil - substrate is mostly waterlogged clay soil a. Vegetation - supports plants that have adapted to grow submerged in water

4. II. Wetland Values 1.Food Web Support a.Wetland habitats among the most productive ecosystems

5. 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.

7. 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 8.Education 9. Aesthetic Value Hunting, bird watching,water recreation

8. III. Wetland Loss & Conservation A.Reasons for Wetland Loss & Conservation 1. Urbanization 2.Farming 3. Salt production

9. 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

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