Ecological functions and benefits of wetlands

recreational activities including fish, hunting, nature appreciation, bird watching and so much more.
l Provide opportunities to participate in outdoor educational activities and to enjoy the aesthetic qualities of wetlands.
Planning work in and around wetlands
When considering a project, it is important to remember that the essential physical, chemical and biological processes of wetlands are varied and complex.
Wetlands have different functions throughout a watershed, all of which are needed to maintain healthy lakes, rivers and streams.
Since a wetland does not function in isolation from the rest of the landscape, land use activities outside the wetland can have a negative impact.
For example, wells and septic systems located outside of a wetland can have detrimental effects on groundwater within a wetland.
Also impervious surfaces, such as roads or concrete paths, and retaining walls can change water drainage and alter the balance of water in a wetland.
Ducks, frogs, turtles and several other species depend on wetlands for their survival.
Many wildlife species, such as deer, songbirds use wetlands as well as nearby uplands habitats.
Think of these upland areas as being part of, rather than separate from, a wetland’s functions. Encourage the growth of grasses, shrubs or trees around these areas to provide a buffer from surrounding land uses in order to protect both wetlands and uplands.
Buffers are natural areas of grass, shrubs and trees that shelter sensitive wetlands and their inhabitants from adjacent land uses.
These areas help to encourage ground nesting birds and other wildlife to use the wetland and also help trap soils and nutrients, reduce erosion and protect wetlands from human disturbance.
Many fish and wildlife are more sensitive to disturbance during certain times of the year, such as breeding and raising young.
Therefore, although narrow buffers are sometimes adequate, in many situations much wider buffers are required.
Landowners can establish or enlarge buffer areas by not mowing, and planting native grass, shrub and tree species.
Remember wetlands that have been damaged by human impacts are difficult to restore.
Mistakes can be costly. Before you undertake any work in or around wetlands consider some of the following basic principles:
l Maintain existing natural drainage in the wetland. Disturb wetland soils as little as possible.
l Minimise the amount of sediments, nutrients and contaminants that enter the wetland.
l Maintain, protect or establish essential upland habitant and provide a suitably wide buffer to this habitant, which will protect it from disturbances from nearby land use. Harvest wetland resources in a sustainable manner.