The Rural Voice, 1992-02, Page 40ADVICE
WATER MATTERS: WETLANDS, PART 1
WETLANDS ARE FAR FROM WORTHLESS
This is the first article of a two-part
series on wetlands, examining a natural
resource that we normally overlook.
What exactly are wetlands? They are
areas permanently or seasonally covered
with less than six feet of water. "Wetlands"
can refer to many land types, including
marshes, ferns, bogs and swamps. For a
long time, these were seen as "worthless"
and termed "wastelands." In the past few
decades, we have acknowledged their
worth as a natural resource and have been
striving to protect them. This article will
help underline their importance and explain
why they are worthy of preservation.
Why are they so important? Wetlands
are vital to a balanced ecosystem by serving
many critical functions. With the mass of
plant life and large volume of water that
exists within these areas, life flourishes.
Lush vegetation in wetlands slows water
flowing through it, trapping sediment par-
ticles and absorbing pollutants. The end re-
sult is a natural system that purifies, pro-
vides flood control and helps to keep rivers
flowing during dry periods by slowly re-
leasing water to creeks and rivers.
Wetlands are also home to many plant,
fish and wildlife populations. Without
these areas to spawn, feed or nest in, many
species would eventually become extinct.
As wetlands are lost acre by acre, simple
existence for many species becomes an
intense struggle.
Wetlands also serve as a living outdoor
education centre and a source of pleasure.
Bird -watching, nature appreciation and
wildlife -viewing are only a few of the ac-
tivities that take place in a wetland area.
Some interesting facts:
• 70 per cent of North American waterfowl
nest in wetlands
• wetlands provide spawning ground, food
supply and nursery habitat for many fish
species
• $300 million per year is gained through
wetlands that provide products such as rice,
wood and fur
• more than 80 per cent of Ontario's origi-
nal wetlands in southern Ontario have dis-
appeared
• the most extensively drained areas are in
southwestern Ontario, with agricultural
drainage being the reason for the loss of 85
per cent of the wetlands in that region
• 12 of Ontario's 14 endangered species
depend on wetlands for survival
With the preservation of these natural
areas, economic, ecological and social
36 THE RURAL VOICE
benefits can be continuously reaped. If they
are not protected, a loss of revenue may be
replaceable, but the species lost would be
forever.
March's issue will present Part II of this
series. "Wetlands and Man" will discuss
how agriculture ties in with wetland loss,
incentives and methods of protection. Any
questions on this subject may be directed to
a local Ministry of Natural Resources of-
fice, or to Janette Smiderle at the S.V.C.A.O
This is another in a series of articles by
Janette Smiderle of the Saugeen Valley
Conservation Authority, highlighting infor-
mation on water quality in the rural envi-
ronment.
Are Temperature
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