Wetlands
A.
Definition of Wetlands
1. Ecology Definition- Partly terrestrial standing water ecosystem
2. Federal Technical Definition- wetlands are determined by three
criteria:
a. Vegetation
b. Soil
c. Hydrology
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B.
Types of Wetlands- based on vegetation
1. Coastal Wetlands- three types:
a. Tidal marsh-found along coasts and estuaries of which the
flooding characteristics are determined by the tidal movement of
the adjacent estuary, sea or ocean
b. Estuaries- part of the mouth or lower course of a river in which
the river's current meets the sea's tide.
c. Mangrove swamps-coastal marine swamp of tropical or
subtropical regions that is dominated by mangrove trees.
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2. Inland Wetlands- five types:
a. Bog-a wetland dominated by mosses and containing acidic water
b. Carr- a wetland dominated by shrubs
c. Fen- a wetland dominated by grasses and mosses, containing neutral
or basic water.
d. Marsh- a wetland dominated by grasses
e. Swamp- a wetland dominated by trees
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Tidal Marsh
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Estuary
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Mangrove Swamp
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C.
Causes of Wetland Losses
1.
2.
3.
Agricultural drainage
Urban development
Pond and lake construction
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Agricultural drainage
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Urban development
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Pond and lake construction
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D.
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Functions and Benefits of Wetlands
Fish and wildlife habitat
Flood control
Erosion control- keeps sediment out of waterways
Improves water quality- traps pollutants and organic wastes
Recreation- tourism, hunting, fishing, etc.
Natural resources for humans- food, timber, fish, shellfish, etc.
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E.
Protecting Wetlands
1. The Law- Section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1972
2. The Agencies:
a. At the Federal level- there are two agencies:
1.U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
2. EPA
b. At the State level- in Pennsylvania: DEP
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