: A KEY LINK IN WATERSHED MANAGEMENT

A GUIDE FOR WATERSHED PARTNERSHIPS HOW YOUR WATERSHED CAN BENEFIT WITH WETLANDS.

Wetlands are a key link in watershed increased nutrient loading to rivers, management. The role that they play in our streams and lakes could result in algal watersheds is critical to protecting water blooms and over-abundant aquatic plant quality and moderating water quantity. growth. When these algae and plants die, habitat serves as home for many oxygen in the water is used during the plants and animals. Even the decomposition process. This can result in national—and in many areas oxygen deprivation which may lead to fish 7 WAYS YOUR the local—economy has a kills. CAN BENEFIT significant connection to WATERSHED wetlands. When and development prac- 1. Improve by breaking tices impact wetlands, the water storage down, removing, using or retaining Essentially wetlands are the and flood control capacity of the land nutrients, organic waste and transition between dry land decreases, increasing the likelihood of sediment carried to the wetland and water (streams, rivers, costly flood damage downstream. with runoff from the watershed. lakes, and coastlines), wetlands take many forms Reduce severity of floods 2. including the familiar downstream by retaining water WETLAND BENEFITS. marshes, swamps and bogs. and releasing it during drier Yet, not all wetlands are Wetlands are valuable systems that periods. “wet” year round. These provide many benefits to your watershed 3. Protect stream banks and shore “drier end” wetlands also including: lines from erosion. perform significant wetland Reduced water treatment costs Recharge , potentially functions. Yet, these are 4. Wetlands can help improve water quality reducing water shortages during often the target for many by removing or retaining nutrients, organ- dry spells. uses including agricultural and urban/suburban uses. ics, and sediment carried by runoff. The 5. Provide food and other products— flow of water slows as it enters a wetland, such as commercial fish and which causes sediment in the water to shellfish—for use. settle out. Many chemicals — fertilizers, 6. Provide fish and wildlife— WHY CONSIDER human and household wastes, toxic including numerous rare and WETLANDS IN compounds —are tied to sediment and endangered species—food habitat, trapped in wetlands. Plants and the breeding grounds, and resting YOUR WATER- biological processes present in a wetland areas. breakdown and convert these pollutants into less harmful substances. By restoring 7. Increase opportunities for SHED? recreation—bird watching, Without wetlands, we can and utilizing wetland functions, we can waterfowl hunting, photography— expect an increase in reduce the costs of constructing, operating and outdoor education. flooding, decrease of and maintaining treatment animal, plant and bird plants. species, increase in erosion, decrease in water quality, and lost Increased groundwater availability revenue. Wetlands “soak up” water during and after 2 a rainy spell. While wetlands “hold” most Vegetated riparian wetlands in agricultural of the water, some water makes its way to areas have proven to remove high percent- the groundwater supply. Thus wetlands ages of phosphorus and nitrogen from often fill the vital job of recharging runoff water. Without these wetlands, groundwater so it’s available for use at a later date. Reduced flood damage Wetland plants provide food and shelter Another way wetlands are valuable to for fish and animals. Wetland-dependent is their influence on the flow and mammals include: muskrat, beaver, quality of water. Wetlands often act like moose, raccoon, bobcat, swamp rabbit, giant sponges, soaking up water that runs and white-tailed deer. Bald eagles, off the land. This feature can help slow ospreys, hawks, egrets, herons and king- floodwaters, lower flood heights and fishers are just a few of the birds that reduce shoreline and stream bank erosion. thrive in wetlands. The high biological Preserving natural wetlands can reduce or productivity of wetlands makes them vital eliminate the need for expensive flood not only to the plants and control structures. animals that directly depend on them for food and shelter, but to humans as well. Food and related industries The vast majority of our nation’s fishing Recreation and shellfishing industries harvest wet- Revenue is also generated from waterfowl land-dependent species. This catch is hunters in search of wetland-dependent valued at $15 billion a year. Commercial birds. The 1996 National Survey of fishermen harvested nearly ten billion Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated pounds of fish in 1996. Recreation reported 3.1 million adult Americans hunt migratory birds. This EPA estimates suggest that 98% of the includes hunting for geese, ducks, doves, Gulf of Mexico fishing industry harvest and other game birds. They spend about comes from fish and shellfish that are $1.3 billion on travel, equipment and dependent on in-shore wetlands. The US other associated expenses. Department of Commerce reports that 438 million pounds of brown, white and pink Another recreational shrimp were harvested in 1995 and 1996 outlet is trapping. An (combined). This was worth more than EPA report puts the $838 million dockside. nation’s harvest of muskrat pelts worth over $70 million Other wetland-reliant products include annually. This, of course, does cranberries, blueberries, wild rice, medi- not include the value of beaver, cines, pelts and timber. mink or reptiles such as alligators.

Diverse plants & animals The natural beauty and solitude found Wetlands contribute to diversity by in wetland areas provides opportunities providing food and habitat that supports a for bird watching, wildlife photography, wide variety of plants and animals. painters, hikers and simply relaxing while Detritus—enriched organic material appreciating the wonders of nature. For formed by the decay of plant and animal many people, wetlands are a vital part of material in water—is food for insects, their lives providing a peaceful place to shellfish and forage fish. In turn, fish reflect while escaping from the everyday (such as striped bass and bluefish), stress and strains. 3 mammals, reptiles and amphibians feed off of the insects and forage fish. The growth of wetland plants and algae is also nourished by nutrients the provided in the detritus. UNDERSTANDING WETLANDS.

The plants that live in wetlands are par- HOW WETLANDS FORM. ticularly adapted to that are saturated The formation and role of a wetland is with water and, at times, contain little driven by its location in the watershed, the oxygen. These plants, such as marsh presence of water during significant grasses, are called hydrophytes (literally periods, quality and, ultimately, plants water plants) and the soils where they and animals. In fact, soils and plants act thrive are referred to as “hydric soils.” as “identifiers” for each wetland. Some basic types of wetlands are: SUSTAINABLE WET- As sediment is deposited along river DEPEND ON... Riverine Bottomlands/Hardwood Forests: LANDS corridors, opportunistic plants and Found along the river corridors, these Understanding how the animals seek out the new habitat and provide water storage during times of peak parts integrate into the flourish. As these areas mature, the precipitation, reducing flood water and soils change which impact the variety whole system. then slowly releasing the stored water. of plant and animal species. Thus new Silver maple and cottonwood are common Treating the root of existing species may colonize. This process is in northern regions. Bald cypress and problems, not just manifes- called succession. tupelo dominate southern regions. tations. At the mouths of rivers (where a Understanding nature’s Northern Bogs: Saturated areas with river meets the ocean) sediments are boundaries. mossy carpets and shrubs, grasses and often deposited forming alluvial stunted spruce trees. These cool wetland Learning to live in balance plains. Marsh grasses find these areas produce wild cranberries, harvested with natural systems. areas desirable. In addition, other in autumn. Bogs effect the climate by You!! plants and many animals are then storing carbon dioxide in decaying plant attracted to these deltas. materials (peat), thereby reducing its release into the air. Other wetlands are formed by aging lakes that fill-in with sediments. This area Cypress Swamps: Also known as domes, supports shrubs and trees adaptable to life these are characterized by tall cypress in a wet environment. trees growing in the center of the swamp. The trees filter pollutants like nitrates and TYPES OF WETLANDS. phosphates that reach the swamp via water runoff. The diversity of wetland habitat makes the identification and classification of wetlands Coastal Marshes: Influenced by the tides, challenging. Wetlands are identified and these highly productive ecosystems classified according to the types of plants, support the majority of fish and shellfish soils, hydrology or patterns of water, and harvested. These wetlands provide feed- fish and/or wildlife communities present. ing, spawning and nursing areas for a multitude of invertebrates, birds and fish. Swamps, marshes and bogs are easily recognizable types of wetlands. Other Prairie Potholes: Formed by receding 4 types of wetlands may be less well known glaciers that produced shallow depressions because the amount of water present will which seasonally fill with water, these are vary seasonally, with specific rainfall a favorite breeding and feeding area for events or with snowmelt. North American ducks. These wetlands also play an important role in recharging freshwater . may not seem devastating. Yet, the RUNOFF THREATS. cumulative affect threatens the value of While wetlands can reduce the impact of remaining wetlands and impacts the entire some pollutants, too much pollution will watershed...residents, plants, animals, negatively impact the wetland. Thus, the water quality and quantity. Already more quality of a wetland is dependent on the than half the wetlands in the lower 48 water flowing into them ... and the pollut- states have been destroyed. Some of the ants that the water carries with it from causes are listed below: activities in the watershed. Naturally occurring events—hurricanes, Runoff, originating with rain fall or snow droughts, erosion, drops in groundwater melt, that contains pollutants—oil, grease, levels—destroyed or severely threatened fertilizers or pesticides—is called nonpoint some wetlands. source pollution. In addition to the potential of runoff polluting wetlands, it also can Agriculture production is responsible for pollute other surface waters such as lakes, many drained wetlands. rivers, and oceans. Eventually it can reach groundwater, which is often used for Marinas, housing, roads and other urban drinking water. structures were built on filled wetlands.

The best way to protect the quality of and dredging nearly always affect wetlands is for every person in the water- the flow of rivers and lakes, destroying shed to prevent potential pollutants from some wetlands and threatening others. being carried by runoff or infiltration. There are numerous other threats, however OTHER WETLAND THREATS. those listed above are the most common. The loss of the values provided by wet- lands impacts watershed residents, plants, and animals. Filling in one acre of wetland

Percent Wetland Acreage Lost: 1780s-1980s Twenty-two states have lost at least 50% of their original wetlands since the 1780s. Seven states— Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Iowa, California and Ohio— have lost over 80%. Since the 1970s states with the most losses are Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Florida, South Carolina 5 and North Carolina. Wetlands drained for agricultural purposes has been reduced while development continues to account for a larger percent. Source Mitch and Gosselink. Wetlands, 2nd Edition, Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1993 MANAGING & RESTORING WETLANDS.

Preservation and protection is the most economical way to “manage” wetlands. Of THE RESTORATION GOAL. course, this isn’t an option for the millions The major challenge of restoration is the of altered wetland acres. In these replacement of the structural and func- areas, restoration is often the best tional aspects of a naturally formed 10 GOOD REASONS solution to meet a watershed wetland. A “restored” wetland should look partnership’s goals. naturally formed. It should also support TO RESTORE values—the array of biological, chemical and physical processes and interactions— WETLANDS. WHAT IS found in the naturally created wetland. 1. Re-establish native RESTORATION? vegetation...a sustainable The intensity of restoration techniques will “Restoration” is the process of food source for wildlife. depend on the level of disturbance to the returning the wetland system to an values of the original wetland. 2. Provide breeding grounds approximation of its predisturbed for waterfowl. condition. Restore water flow. The first step in the 3. Connect wildlife corridors process is to restore the hydrology (flow for ease of movement and This does not mean returning all of water) to support conditions favorable healthy interactions. altered wetlands to their unaltered for the return of wetland plant communi- 4. Reduce downstream state. It simply means replacing ties. The approach used is dependent on flooding. the lost values with newly created what caused the initial disturbance. or “restored” wetlands. In other 5. Reduce streambank and words, the goal is to restore the Altered flow: shoreline erosion. value rather than restore a particu- - Re-establish flow of a river back 6. Protect fish and shellfish lar site with a self-sustaining into a wetland area. harvests. system that requires little human - Remove dams or other structures 7. Restore natural biological “management.” that cause flooding of a wetland. diversity. Filled or dredged: Considerable advances have been - Re-establish original landscape. 8. Improve water quality. made in large-scale wetland 9. Enhance threatened and restoration. Yet, restoring wet- Re-establish plants. The next step is endangered species. lands to their original condition— planting appropriate native plants. If the replicating the complex and 10. Provide recreational and soil has been contaminated by toxic diverse physical, chemical, and educational sites. chemicals, it will likely need to be re- biological interactions—hasn’t moved. If successful, a diverse and been well-documented. balanced plant community will establish itself. Then wildlife will colonize.

6 WHAT YOU CAN DO.

F YOU OWN A WETLAND Coordinate wetland protection plans I ... at all levels: local, state, regional, and Before clearing, draining or manipulating federal. wetland areas—including areas which you’re unsure about—contact one of these Build nest structures to increase government agencies. If the wetland area nesting of Canadian geese, mallards, is used as cropland, contact your local wood ducks, and other birds. USDA Natural Conservation Plant food plots to increase survival Service (NRCS) office. In non-cropland of pheasants and other wildlife. areas, check with your U.S. Army Corps Plant native wildflowers to add color of Engineers district. (Look under U.S. and habitat for songbirds, mammals, Government in the Yellow Pages.) butterflies, and other insects. “Adopt A Wetland.” Call 800-832- HOW TO GET STARTED. 7828. Successful restoration of wetlands is possible by implementing comprehensive Help local schools adopt a wetland, conservation plans along with watershed maintain it and learn about it. protection strategies developed by a *Source: League of Women Voters. partnership of public and private sectors. In addition to NRCS and the Army Corps FOR MORE of Engineers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Dept. of INFORMATION... Interior are also involved in protecting and restoring wetlands. Other agencies that Wetlands Information Hotline often participate include state, tribal, Contractor operated for EPA. regional, and local government agencies. Tel: 800-832-7828 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET Government and watershed residents must Email: wetlands-hotline work together to determine how wetlands @epamail.epa.gov fit into their watershed, the values (roles) of wetlands, and how to best protect and America’s Wetlands: Our Vital restore these values. Then each public and Link Between Land and Water private partner needs to do their part in Tel: 800-832-7828 making it happen. Email: wetlands-hotline @epamail.epa.gov * SOME ACTIVITIES. Better Wetlands: More than a Locate wetlands and study how they dozen ideas to improve restored interact with the watershed. wetlands for wildlife and personal enjoyment. Bring together people concerned with Tel: 765-494-9555 wetlands in your watershed. Email: [email protected] Improve understanding of the systems 7 and current and future pressures. Promote values of wetlands and be aware of potential threats. ABOUT THIS GUIDE...

Because the characteristics of each minds of partners who, together, watershed are unique; you may wish to represent of those with a stake in your select and use the portions of this guide watershed and the technical advice that are applicable to your particular available through local government situation. agencies.

This guide is one of a series of guides for Although this series is written for people who want to organize a local watershed-based planning, the ideas partnership to protect their watershed. The and process can be used for developing series is designed to provide guidance for other types of plans (such as wildlife going through the process of building a areas) to match the concerns of the voluntary partnership, developing a water- partnership. Regardless of the area, shed management plan and implementing remember a long-term, integrated that plan. perspective — based on a systematic, scientific assessment — can be used to The series of guides will not solve all your address more than one concern at a problems and will not replace the collective time.

SPECIAL THANKS...

Special thanks to Susan Kaynor, Environ- Special thanks also to the following mental Scientist, and Nancy Phillips, professionals who carefully reviewed this Environmental Consultant, who dedicated guide. Their experience and thoughtful long hours to writing this guide. Without guidance enriched it. Their time and insight their help this guide would not be possible. is deeply appreciated.

Connie Cahanap Marty Kelly U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Southwest Florida Water Management District Tom Davenport James A. Meek U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5 Environmental Consultant Doug Ehorn Kathy Minisch Environmental Planning Team Puget Sound Water Quality Authority Homer Gray Billy Teels Tennessee Valley Authority USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Linda Harris Chris Lewicki Tennessee Valley Authority U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

The Know Your Watershed campaign is coordinated by the Conservation Conserv. Tech. Info. Technology Information Center (CTIC), a nonprofit public/private Center partnership dedicated to the advancement of environmentally beneficial and 1220 Potter Dr Rm 170 economically viable natural systems. It provides W Lafayette IN 47906 information and data about agricultural and natural resource Tel: 765 494-9555 management systems, practices and technologies. The center Fax: 765 494-5969 [email protected] was established in 1982 under the charter of the National http://ctic.purdue.edu/ Association of Conservation Districts. kyw/kyw.html