A Presentation of theMadison County Park System

PRESERVING OUR WETLANDS

Types of WetlandsFreshwater marshesTidal marshesFensBogsSwampsMangrove flatsFloodplains and deltas

Wetland CharacteristicsName Locations Habitat for . . .

Mangrove flat Subtropical areas Mangroves

Freshwater marsh

Widespread Grasses, frogs

Tidal marsh Intertidal zones Grasses, crabs, clams

Fen Areas of mineral-rich water

Grasses, shrubs, trees

Bog Glaciated areas Sphagnum moss, shrubs, trees

Swamp Saturated or flooded areas

Cypresses, gums, maples

Benefits of WetlandsWetlands are regions where soils, water, plants, and animals interact

These interactions generate healthy wildlife, fisheries, and forest resources

Flood controlShoreline and storm protectionNutrient retention and export

Mammals in the Wetlands

Native Mammals

Monotremes MarsupialsPlacental Mammals

Platypus PlanigalesKangaroosKoalasWombats

Rodents (rats)Bats

Introduced Mammals

Cows, foxes, goats, foxes, and sheep

Wetland LossHistoric approach has been to drain wetlands to convert land for agricultural use

Approximately 80% of U.S. wetlands have been lost to agriculture

Approximately 50% of wetlands worldwide have been lost

Local Wetland Losses

1780 19800

2,000

4,000

6,000

8,000

10,000

12,000

OhioIndianaMichigan

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Local Wetland Losses

23%

26%

51%

Wetland Loss in 1780

OhioIndianaMichigan

Rate of Wetland Loss

1913 1946 1967 1980 1985 19970

20

40

60

80

100

120

Other areasCoastal areas

Lan

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q M

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Impacts of Wetland LossFloods—more damage to areas that were once wetlands

Water quality—more sediments, nutrients, and contaminants downstream

Animal habitats—loss of habitats for animals that inhabit wetlands