What do wetland resources do?

Wetland resources provide many benefit services.  They provide natural settling ponds whose vegetation traps sediments and often breaks down pollutants.  The sediments under marsh vegetation absorb chlorinated hydrocarbons and heavy metals (lead, copper, iron).   Wetlands retain nitrogen and phosphorous compounds and filter water helping purify water that recharges wells and aquifers.  Wetlands and low areas provide floodways to channel and moderate storm water force and act as buffers to prevent storm damage to nearby structures and roads.  Wetlands provide temporary storage of flood waters allowing flood waters to slowly recede while recharging groundwater supplies.  Some wetland resources provide or filter public drinking water supplies.  Vegetated banks to coastal and stream resource areas act as protective buffers to landowners during storms.  Wetlands are essential to wildlife for food, nesting and protection.  Protected natural resource areas provide recreational and aesthetic functions as well for walkers, naturalists, hunters, bird watchers, artists and photographers.