During the past few years there has been much debate and concern relating to the protection of wetlands in Wisconsin. Wetlands are lands where water saturation is the major factor determining the nature of soil development and plant and animal communities. Until recently, wetlands were often viewed as wastelands, useful only when drained for agriculture or filled for development. Now, following a push by ecologists and environmentalists, many people recognize the importance of wetlands. Wetlands contribute to the social, economic and environmental health of our nation in many ways:.
By filtering pollutants, nutrients, and sediments, wetlands help protect water quality in our lakes, rivers, streams and wells. .
By storing runoff from heavy rains and snowmelts, wetlands reduce flood damage. .
By providing essential habitat for fish, waterfowl and a variety of other animals, wetlands provide for recreational opportunities for state residents and visitors. .
By acting as a shoreline buffer, wetlands protect against erosion from waves and currents. .
By providing beautiful open spaces, wetlands enhance quality of life, property values and tourism. .
The state of Wisconsin originally had approximately 10 million acres of wetlands. Currently, only half remain - and of the remaining many of them have been altered or degraded. .
In recognizing the need to protect these wetlands, the Wisconsin Legislature directed the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to create rules in order to regulate wetland areas located near lakes and streams. Chapters NR 115, and NR 117 , of the Wisconsin Administrative Code, contain the minimum wetland protection standards for lands within 1,000 feet of OHWM of lakes, and ponds. (OHWM stands for the Ordinary High Water Mark. This line is usually identified by examining the bed and banks of the water along the shore to determine where the action of the water has created a distinct mark upon the soil with respect to upland vegetation.
Wisconsin has an abundant amount f lakes and rivers. ... "The glacier retreated from northern Wisconsin about 9,500 years ago- (University of Wisconsin-Extension [UWEX], 1990). ... Still today Wisconsin's climate is still changing. ... Wisconsin's winters are usually pretty interesting. ... Why Wisconsin Has So Many Lakes and Wetlands. ...
The natural and cultural resources are the center of northern Wisconsin's economy and way of life. ... Wisconsin's Mining Legacy Wisconsin is a state that was built upon the abundance of natural resources that the area was blessed with. ... The Shullsburg lead/zinc mine, located in western Wisconsin, closed in 1979, and immediately followed by wells nearby being contaminated with sulphur ("Wisconsin Department"). ... Throughout the next five years, Exxon Mining Company would gain some key allies in the Wisconsin Legislature. In 1981, the State of Wisconsin drops non-degradati...
"Our Disappearing Wetlands" National Geographic, Pg 15). ... Well what exactly is a wetland? ... They are found primarily in the Upper Midwest, especially North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. ... Another infamous type of wetland is the bog. ... Of course this water does not come from wetlands, but wetlands prevent the contamination of where our water does come from. ...
All large midwestern streams flooded including the Mississippi, Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Des Moines and Wisconsin rivers. Seventeen thousand square miles of land were covered by floodwaters in a region covering all or parts of nine states (North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois). ... The river system had been altered over the previous century by the draining of riverine wetlands and the construction of levees. ...
Only after the end of the Wisconsin glacier did the birth of the peninsula come to be; it was then the interrelationship between the organic rock of the ancient seafloor and the waters of today's modern ocean begin to form the Everglades. ... An intimate relation between surface water and ground water is crucial in the creation of the lower wetlands system. ... Many animals that once thrived in Florida's wetlands are decreasing in numbers (Preservation 2). ... Drainage of wetlands, alteration of overland water flow and hunting have all contributed to species decline. ...
According to the American Rivers Organization, "Poor land-use decisions have put more people at risk by allowing development in harm's way and by eliminating the natural flood control functions of wetlands and floodplains."" ...
Coral Reefs Coral reefs are arguably the world's most beautiful habitats. Coral reefs have been called the rainforests of the oceans, because of the rich diversity of life they support. Scientists have not yet finished counting the thousands of different species of plants and animals that use or li...
Soil erosion is not one of the most sought after conservation movements today. Today's main focus is energy and environmental concerns. Soil erosion is significant, however, for various reasons. Currently, the Mississippi River is altering it natural course due to soil deposits from the northern portion. Additionally, soil erosion affects farming and pollution. ...
