Wetlands are ecosystems with a fantastic diversity of soil types, vegetation, and water qualities, primarily determined by geographic location and climatic conditions. Some of the most common types of wetlands are floodplains, mangroves, saltmarshes, peatlands, forests, and freshwater marshes. The wetlands are distributed widely across the landscape and are a fundamental constituent of US aquatic resources. Namely, wetlands are significant because these ecosystems filter pollutants from air and soil, store carbon, provide wildlife habitat, and prevent flooding. Additionally, wetlands are used locally as recreation areas for boating and fishing, picnic, relaxation, etc. Human activities significantly threaten the existence of wetlands and maintaining these services. Humans take various steps that make life easier and better, such as agriculture and urban development, but at the same time, these actions endanger the wetlands. Also, several natural processes are stressors for the wetlands, such as erosion and flooding, jeopardizing wetlands in the US and the entire planet.
Wetlands usually occur as small isolated patches in mountain meadows and can be found as strips along rivers and streams and as large groups along the southern and eastern coasts of the US. The primary function of wetlands is absorbing runoff and filtering surface water, and in this process, wetlands collect excess sediment, nutrients, and other pollutants. These natural sponges support the ecological processes in the wetlands, such as hydrology, soil, and vegetation development. In order to provide the best results, the area surrounding the wetland needs to be minimally disturbed. Consequently, the “buffering” area surrounding the wetland directly impacts the overall ecological condition of the wetland itself.
Human activities substantially affect climate change and, at the same time, intensify the stressors. As a result of long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, the occurrence of extreme precipitation and droughts increases, and the sea levels progressively rise. For example, an inland wetland, the Prairie Pothole Region in the north-central part of the US, is the fundamental breeding environment for more than 50 % of North American waterfowl species. In the past, this area has experienced temporary droughts, and if the trend of dry periods continues, scientists predict a dramatic drop in waterfowl breeding grounds. This area is particularly valued for hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Increased sea levels immensely stress the coastal wetlands due to the saltwater invasion (increased salinity), reduced barriers to storm surges, and increased erosion. When the physical conditions in the wetlands change, plants and animals respond to those changes, and not in a positive way. Some local species could become extinct, and others expand their range, thus distressing the balance. By monitoring the plant changes, scientists can notice early warning signs of environmental changes and respond appropriately. Wetlands are an important foundation for many organisms, birds, fish, and people.
Along with natural processes, development and urbanization affect the wetlands. For example, the Louisiana coast has undergone major changes in the last few decades, which resulted in the loss of 1900 square miles of wetlands.
When joined with the predicted erosion rates due to sea-level rise, current levels of wetlands will exponentially decrease. They will no longer serve as natural barriers to flooding during natural disasters, such as strong storm events.
Despite all efforts, statistical data shows that annually the United States loses about 60,000 acres of wetlands. If you find it difficult to imagine the size of that area – that’s almost equal to 35,000 football fields! What can you do to protect the wetlands? Well, you can start locally with these five simple and yet essential steps!