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December 1, 2003PRESERVING MICHIGAN'S WATERSWhat is a wetland?By The Associated PressAs the word suggests, wetlands are neither open water nor dry land, but have characteristics of both. "Wetlands are areas where the frequent and prolonged presence of water at or near the soil surface drives the natural system, meaning the kind of soils that form, the plants that grow, and the fish and/or wildlife communities that use the habitat," the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says. Strange though it may seem, wetlands aren't always wet. Their moisture levels fluctuate depending on rainfall, snow melt and human influences such as dams and irrigation. Such well-known wetlands as the Florida Everglades and Mississippi bottomland hardwood swamps are often dry, while non-wetland areas, known as "uplands," can have standing water at times. Landowners uncertain about whether their property includes regulated wetlands should contact the EPA, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality or a private consultant. |
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