Where Have All the Wetlands Gone?

WISCONSIN LAKES-PUB-FM-800 99Rev.
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Where Have All the Wetlands Gone?

Since most prime lakeshore property is already developed, pressure mounts to develop "marginal shorelands" or wetlands. Wetlands play a crucial role in the overall health of a lake, filtering out pollutants and sediments, acting as natural barriers against shore erosion, and providing food, cover and nursery areas for a variety of fish and wildlife.

To function effectively, a wetland needs an undisturbed, stable environment. Here's what you can do to help:

• Eliminate filling, dredging, draining or altering wetlands and weedbeds
• Protect beneficial or unique fish and wildlife habitats
• Control erosion into wetland areas - sediments not only reduce the life expectancy of wetlands, but often contain toxins or can cover and suffocate plants and fish eggs
• Avoid using motorboats and jet skis in shallow areas to prevent stirring sediments. Check into local boating control ordinances to further prevent overcrowding and sediment problems
• A lake is not a swimming pool! Aquatic plants and algae are crucial to the health of the lake. Learn which lake plants are most beneficial to fish and wildlife
• Work toward the control of non-native nuisance plants such as purple loosestrife, curlyleaf pondweed and Eurasian milfoil
• Consider alternatives to chemical spraying of excessive lake plants (hand harvesting, raking, cutting, aquatic plant screens, and mechanical harvesting, or leaving them alone)
• To chemically treat lake plants, remember-you do need a DNR permit. Contact your local DNR lake biologist for the best plant control method to suit your lake
• Fight zoning changes that would promote development of wetland areas; attend zoning hearings, contact your Board of Adjustment
• Become a shoreland/wetland steward; make sure any development on or near wetlands is properly permitted

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Produced by: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Watershed Management
More information on this topic: James Vennie, Limnologist, (608)266-2212

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