Although wetlands are often wet, wetlands are not always wet year-round. In fact, some of the most important wetlands, are only seasonally wet. Wetlands provide some of the most diverse and productive habitats for fish and wildlife. Wetlands also protect public health by acting as sponges to absorb harmful pollutants and protect water quality. Flood control, wildlife habitat, recreational and economic benefits, and erosion control are all important functions and values of wetlands.
The true importance of wetlands is felt most at the local level. When loss of wetlands occurs, landowners are keen to notice an increase of flooding, polluted streams and lakes, loss of wildlife habitat, and/or loss of aesthetic beauty. Therefore, it is critical for wetland protection to begin at the local level.
In order to fully protect these precious places, professional guidance should always be sought when delineating wetlands, since vegetation, soils, and hydrology are all determining factors in wetlands. Sometimes, landowners do not realize a site is a wetland until after they have violated federal or state law. Many wetlands in Vermont are not mapped.
To learn more about wetlands, please visit the sites below.
Water Quality Division Wetland Section - The Vermont Wetlands Section identifies significant wetlands, and protects wetland functions and values through education, project review, and enforcement.
EPA Wetlands - EPA Wetlands resource information that addresses questions such as "what are wetlands" and "Why preserve wetlands".
In This Section
Acid Mine Drainage
Bank Erosion & Sediment
Basin Planning
Fisheries
Floodplain Management
Good Road Maintenance
Grants
Invasive Species
Mercury
Non-Point Source Pollution
Organizations
Permits
Riparian Buffer Zones
Wastewater Treatment
Water Quality Studies
Water Supply Protection
Wetlands