The Rural Voice, 1991-03, Page 4Wetlands
A Vanishing Resource
Wetlands, (swamps, bogs, marshes, and fens) are areas that
are seasonally or permanently flooded by shallow water, or where
the water table is at or near the surface.
Southern Ontario once contained two million acres of wetlands,
less than one quarter of these areas remain today. Wetlands are
disappearing as a result of human activities such as shoreline
development, drainage, filling, and clearing.
The Ministry of Natural Resources began evaluating wetlands in 1983.
Over 2,000 sites were examined in Southern Ontario using a standard
classification system that assigns points to components of a wetland,
such as biological, social, hydrological, and special features. A total
score is then calculated for each site, making it possible to compare
wetlands across the province. Seven classes of wetlands were established,
classes I -III are designated as provincially or regionally significant and
classes IV -VII are of local signitiance.
WHAT VALUE ARE WETLANDS?
Many people are aware of the destruction of tropical rain forests
and the impact this has on global warming, but what do wetlands in southern Ontario mean
to you and me? Consider the following:
Biological Importance
Habitat: Many wildlife species depend upon wetlands for all or part of their life cycle;
migratory waterfowl and shore birds use wetlands for reproduction and migratory staging
areas; fish use water courses running through wetlands for spawning, nurseries, feeding,
and shelter; most of Ontario's endangered species and many rare plants and animals
depend on wetland habitat.
Ecological Cycle: Oxygen in the atmosphere is given off by plants. (photosynthesis)
Gene Pool: Wetland species are a genetic resource, available for crop breeding and drug
development.
Hydrological Importance
Flood Control: Wetlands act as a sponge, soaking up excess rain and melt water, and then
slowly releasing it to ground water and water courses; dense vegetation and organic matter
retain water and release it in the form of water vapor.
Erosion Contol: Wetlands reduce soil erosion because plant roots stabilize the soil and
help retain moisture; vegetation along shorelines reduces erosion caused by wave action.
Water Quality: Wetlands filter impurities such as heavy metals, pesticides, organic
nutrients and other pollutants out of the water.
Ground Water Recharge: Many wetlands maintain water tables in times of drought and
help stabilize stream flow.
Cultural Importance
Aesthetics: Wetlands and the plants and animals which they contain provide a varied and
pleasing environment for recreational pursuits such as hiking, fishing, hunting, canoeing,
and nature viewing.
Economic Importance
Tourism benefits from wetlands in Ontario totaled $853 million (1980), while wetland based
industries such as forestry, trapping, hunting, and fishing, as well as wild rice, maple syrup,
cranberry, and peat moss production contribute $300 million annually to Ontario's
economy.
Ministry of
Natural
Ontario Resources
HOW ARE WETLANDS PROTECTED?
In the past, protecting an area usually involved
purchasing the property by a concerned agency for
future generations. Today, land prices make it nearly
impossible for agencies to fund such conservation
schemes. New and innovative methods of protection
have arisen. One such method is Private
Stewardship, which involves landowners retaining
their property and managing it themselves.
Wetlands are complex ecosystems and each system
needs to be managed as a single unit. Often
wetlands cover many properties. It then becomes
important for several landowners to be good
stewards together in order to conserve a single
wetland. The Wetland Habitat Agreement Program
is a partnership between the Ministry of Natural
Resources, Wildlife Habitat Canada, and Ducks
Unlimited, working together with landowners to
promote the value of wetlands and offer information
on conservation strategies for these areas.
WHAT ELSE CAN BE DONE?
In response to concerns voiced by 'ndividuals,
groups, and municipalities, the Province has issued a
policy statement on wetlands; although still in a draft
stage, it will require all municipalities, planning
boards, and resource management agencies to
identify and protect class one, two, and three
wetlands from incompatible uses.
The government of Ontario is offering a 100%
rebate of municipal taxes levied against conservation
lands as defined by the Ministry of Natural
Resources (include Class I-111 wetlands.)
There are a host of other protection options for
wetlands such as conservation easements,
donations, and management agreements.
Specific details on these programs are available
from the Ministry of Natural Resources.