Wetland Functions and Values
Our State's wetland resources are abundant and diverse. From marshes to wooded swamps and bogs, from sedge meadows to peatlands and vernal pools, wetlands benefit Maine people in countless ways. They help prevent flooding by slowing down and absorbing water which might otherwise end up on our properties, or in our basements. Wetlands gradually release stored water to rivers and streams to maintain flow throughout the summer, and recharge ground water aquifers so our wells do not go dry. They protect our shorelines from erosion by absorbing the shock of wave action, and preserve water quality by retaining sediment, nutrients and other pollutants.
But wetlands do not exist only to serve our needs. They provide critical habitat for a myriad of species that form a delicate and complex web of life. Frogs, salamanders, turtles, fish, insects, songbirds, waterfowl, deer and moose are just some of the creatures that depend on wetlands for food, shelter and/or breeding habitat. No wonder so many outdoor enthusiasts have a favorite wetland spot to hunt, fish, hike, canoe or simply to enjoy Maine's beauty.
See the links below for more information about wetland functions and values:
Maine Department of Environmental Protection's Issue Profile, Maine's Wetlands: Their Functions and Values.
US Environmental Protection Agency's Wetland page.
