Functions of Wetlands

They are a particularly valuable element of the ecosystem. Most of them derive from habitats of fish and wildlife, protection of water quality, prevention of soil erosion, storage and recreation of floods.

Their cleanliness provides natural pollution control and the way they filter and collect deposits from spilled water helps prevent muds from clogging the downstream lakes and reservoirs. Wetlands slow down the flow of water and help to reduce downstream soil erosion.

Particularly flood plains and some wetlands in coastal areas help control floods by accumulating excess water during storm events

Many wetlands temporarily store water and allow penetration and evaporation into the underground. This can reduce the flood after the storm

Wetlands provide habitat and breeding for thousands of animals and plants, including many endangered animals and plants. Nine of the 11 federal endangered species in Nebraska state use wetlands

The ecological diversity of wetlands provides one of the most beautiful and aesthetically pleasing features of any landscape.

Particularly flood plains and some wetlands in coastal areas help control floods by accumulating excess water during storm events

It is not an easy task to develop a single way to evaluate wetland functions or assign values ​​to wetland functions. In fact, there is not always one way to fulfill all the needs. However, evaluating each function of wetlands and assigning values ​​to each function is a step to protect sensitive wetlands. In addition, providing a basic evaluation system for wetland comparison will determine the success (or failure) of programs and policies designed to mitigate unavoidable wetland losses and protect or manage wetland resources We provide a tool for you. Trend of wetland resources

Understanding the relationship between landscape and the dynamic nature of wetlands is important to assess the function and value of wetlands. Wetlands constantly adapt to the disturbances of their interior and surrounding landscape. It is important to recognize the extent of the effects of various disturbances on wetlands when assessing disturbances and impacts and when considering wetland protection options (Clearwater et al., 1998). Direct effects are caused by disturbances occurring in wetlands. Common direct impacts on wetlands include embankment, inclination, removal of vegetation, structure of buildings, changes in water level and drainage patterns, and so on. Most disturbances that directly affect wetlands are managed by state and federal wetland regulatory programs.

It is difficult to clearly state the ability to substitute for wetland functions. The objectives of project restoration and creation are rarely stated and information on the existing functions of wetlands is rarely recorded. This is partly due to the difficulty and expense of quantifying the wetland function. In addition, responsible monitoring during construction and after completion of project wetlands is not common. Most of the information on project wetlands takes the form of qualitative case studies.