Wetlands

Historically settlers of America saw wetlands as a nuisance.  Thoughts of swamps, bogs, and moors brought to mind eerie images of monsters, beasts, and insects.  The consensus was to avoid or drain these foul breeding grounds, then use them for productive means.  “Drying the land” was not only a precaution, but a necessity for people who needed to use the land for agriculture.   Straightening streams & draining wetlands opened fields for farming.  Preventing “wet land” was a ongoing battle that growing cities and families saw as a jeopardy.

 

Generations later people may still have aversions, but we have a better understanding and sense of importance for wetlands.  Wetlands have so many functions and are so diverse that defining them is quite a problem.  Many definitions exist but 3 common elements are almost always present: a hydric soil,  hydrophilic plants, and the ground is saturated with water for some period in the year.

 

We know now that wetlands serve as important areas for biodiversity, water reclamation, and soil conservation.  According to the EPA wetlands are second only to the ocean in the number of biota inhabiting them.  They are natural recyclers of water; as water flows through them minerals, sediments, and contaminants are absorbed and transformed by the plants, animals, and bacteria that occupy the many niches available.  They act as giant sponges, absorbing flood waters and slowly releasing them back into the system.  Riparian and estuarine wetlands prevent shoreline erosion and prevent headwaters from overfilling.  Wetlands are commonly referred to as the “kidneys” of the environment and are a crucial resource worthy of  our attention. 

Center for Wetlands

& Stream Restoration

Preserving the Future by Restoring the Past

For More Information

Please Contact Us:

 

Tom Biebighauser,

Center for Wetlands & Stream Restoration US Forest Service

2375 KY HWY 801 South

Morehead, Ky 40351

 

Phone: 606-784-6428 xt 102

E-mail: tombiebighauser@fs.fed.us