WETLANDS FUNCTIONS

Fish and Wildlife Habitat

Wetlands are critical to the survival of a wide variety of animals and plants. Most freshwater fish feed upon
wetland-produced food and use wetlands as nursery grounds. Most of the recreational fish spawn in wetlands. A variety
of bird life, ducks, geese, and a large number of songbirds feed, nest, and raise their young in wetlands. Moreover, a
number of rare and endangered species depend on wetlands for survival.

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Water Quality Improvement

One of the most important values of wetlands is their ability to help maintain and
improve the water quality of our County’s water bodies. Wetlands do this by removing
and retaining nutrients; processing chemical and organic wastes; and reducing sediment
loads to receiving water bodies.

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Flood Control and Protection

Wetlands have often been referred to as natural sponges that absorb flood waters. Trees and other wetland vegetation
help slow the speed of flood waters. This action, combined with water storage, can lower flood heights and reduce the
water’s erosive potential.

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Shoreline Erosion Control

Wetland plants are important in protecting against erosion because they increase the durability of the sediment by
binding soil with their roots, and they dampen wave action and reduce current velocity through friction.

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Recreation and Aesthetics

Wetlands provide endless opportunities for popular recreational activities, such as hiking, boating, fishing,
and swimming. The observance and photography of wetland-dependent birds, alone, entice an
estimated 50 million people to spend nearly $10 billion each year.

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