Wetland Ecosystems

In the not too distant past, wetland areas were considered to be a waste of land. Wetland ecosystems, which are created by standing water, were considered barriers to human settlement. They were drained and put to other uses, primarily as farmland. Increasingly however, wetlands are being seen as more than habitats for the animal and plant species that live there. Increasingly, the ecosystem is being recognized for its value to human life as well.

Wetlands have provided vital habitats to many types of plants and animals, many of which are useful to humans. Coastal wetlands provide breeding grounds for shrimp, crabs and fish, which are harvested in the deeper ocean waters. Additionally, many plant species used by man are dependent on this type of natural ecosystem. Cranberries, wild rice, blueberries and some types of trees harvested for timber are examples of useful plant species that require wetlands for their growth cycle. Humans also depend on wetland areas for such recreational activities as hunting, bird watching, fishing and even camping.

Another vital function of wetland ecosystems is flood control. Wetland soils absorb excess water and control its distribution, which reduces flooding in the area. Wetland plant species also help slow the flow of water from upland areas back into waterways, helping to reduce flooding downstream. Wetlands also control soil erosion. The roots of plant species in wetland areas anchor topsoil, preventing it from being washed away. In coastal areas, wetland areas provide an important buffer zone against tidal forces and storm surges, thus reducing erosion on beaches, as well as storm-related flooding. In areas where wetlands have been drained, it has been necessary to build water treatment plants, dykes and levies to perform flood control duties once handled by nature.

The importance of wetland ecosystems to animal and plant species has long been known. However, it has only been relatively recently that we have recognized the value of wetlands to human populations. Commercial fisheries depend on wetlands, as breeding grounds for the fish and shellfish they catch. Many agricultural products are also dependent on wetlands. Flood control, erosion control, and water treatment are all functions that are provided by wetlands. In addition, wetland areas provide water for livestock in otherwise dry areas, as well as replenishing the groundwater. Wetlands are no longer considered to be wasted real estate. Instead, they are now known to be a valuable and necessary part of our natural environment.