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PRESERVING OUR WETLANDS. A Presentation of the Madison County Park System. Types of Wetlands. Freshwater marshes Tidal marshes Fens Bogs Swamps Mangrove flats Floodplains and deltas. Wetland Characteristics. Benefits of Wetlands.
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PRESERVING OUR WETLANDS A Presentation of theMadison County Park System
Types of Wetlands • Freshwater marshes • Tidal marshes • Fens • Bogs • Swamps • Mangrove flats • Floodplains and deltas
Benefits of Wetlands • Wetlands are regions where soils, water, plants, and animals interact • These interactions generate healthy wildlife, fisheries, and forest resources • Flood control • Shoreline and storm protection • Nutrient retention and export
Wetland Loss • Historic approach has been to drain wetlands to convert land for agricultural use • Approximately 80% of U.S. wetlands have been lost to agriculture • Approximately 50% of wetlands worldwide have been lost
Impacts of Wetland Loss • Floods—more damage to areas that were once wetlands • Water quality—more sediments, nutrients, and contaminants downstream • Animal habitats—loss of habitats for animals that inhabit wetlands