WETLANDS
IN THE GULF OF MEXICO REGION
I
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE • MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIVERSITY
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Acknowledgment
Appreciation is extended to all
Gulf of Mexico partners who gave
of their time, energy, and expertise
in creating this publication. This
document is funded by the United
States Environmental Protection
Agency, Gulf of Mexico Program,
under Cooperative Agreement
Number EPA/NASA NAS13-564
DO #56, awarded to the
Cooperative Extension Service of
Mississippi State University. The
contents of this document do not
necessarily represent the views and
policies of the Environmental
Protection Agency, nor does the
mention of trade names or
commercial products constitute an
endorsement or recommendation.
Gulf of Mexico Program
Funded by:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Gulf of Mexico Program
Published by:
Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service
Mississippi State University
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Contents
2 Regulatory Definition of Wetlands
2 What are Wetlands?
3 Recognizing Wetlands
6 Types of Wetlands
16 Functions and Values of Wetlands
18 Wetland Laws and Regulations and
Responsible Agencies
19 Allowable Activities and Types of
Wetland Permits
21 Permitting Process: Who is in Charge?
22 Resources
23 Federal and State Agencies Responsible
for Wetland Regulations
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Regulatory Definition of Wetlands
"Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or
ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support,
and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence
of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil condi-
tions" (EPA, 40 CFR 230.3 and CE. 33 CFR 328.3).
What are Wetlands?
Wetlands are places within the landscape where water
accumulates long enough to affect the condition of the soil or
substrate and promote the growth of wet-tolerant plants. Places
called wetlands include rivers, creeks, swamps, marshes, bogs,
and similar areas, which, in effect, are components of the
drainage system of the land.
By recognizing wetlands as parts of
a drainage system, it can be more easily
anticipated where these areas can be
found within the landscape and to begin
understanding the important functions
that wetlands provide wildlife and hu-
mans.
Major physical and
hiotic components thai
define wetlands.
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Recognizing Wetlands
Three factors used to define wetlands include the presence
of water, hydric soils, and wetland plants. These are also factors
used to recognize or describe wetlands within the landscape. Of
these, the presence of water is the most important factor—given
its role in the formation of hydric soils and, with hydric soils, its
role in promoting the growth of wetland plants. The illustration
shows the interrelationships between these three factors and the
primary role played by water. Identifying wetlands and delin-
eating the boundaries between wetlands and adjacent
non-wetland areas involves the search for evidence of all three
criteria.
Water
The presence of surface water
is an obvious component of wet-
lands such as ponds, lakes, and
streams. A number of other wet-
land types, however, might have
standing water or saturated soils
only on a seasonal basis. These
seasonally wet areas include
some types of swamps and sa-
vannas. These wetlands undergo
a yearly cycle that ranges from
wet conditions when standing
water is present and soils are
Wetland tree trunks
show high water marks
saturated to periods when soils are dry. The
length of wet or dry periods might vary from
year to year, and some years parts of the cycle
might be absent.
When there is no standing water or saturated soils, other
evidence for the presence of water is used to describe these
wetlands. Such evidence includes watermarks on trees or the
presence of hydric soils. Watermarks can consist of dried
sediment that coats the base of trees or watermarks can take the
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form of a "moss" line consisting of the lower limit of growth of
common mosses found attached to tree trunks.
In seasonally wet wetlands that have no trees, the presence
of water is usually interred from the presence of hydric soils
that are formed under frequent (yearly) and relatively long
(weeks) periods of soil saturation.
Hydric soils
The term "hydric" reflects the effect water (from the Greek
root hydro) can have on a soil or substrate when present
(constantly or seasonally) for extended periods of time (typi-
cally requiring years, decades, or longer). Under this condition,
T, the chemistry of the organic (carbon-based)
Hydric soils are formed and inorganic (minerals) components of the
when air is displaced by soil Js gaid tQ be in & reduced state (i e^
water and the soil or ^^ ^ and biological pro-
substrate becomes devoid . , .. ,, .
,. , . cesses, such as decomposition or organic
ofoxvgen, becoming r °
what is termed "anoxic." matter' are slovved- Alternately, in the pres-
ence of oxygen, these components might
become oxidized (i.e., oxygen chemically bonding with these
components). These processes are often accompanied by a
change in color of the soil itself. Soils that contain large
amounts of iron, for example, are typically reddish in color,
reflecting the "rusting" or oxidation of the iron. These same
soils, if found in wetland areas, that have been exposed to
saturated conditions for long periods of time (years), will be in
a reduced state and will be grayer in color. In many cases, hydric-
soils will show a mottled appearance of alternating gray and
reddish (oxidized) areas that reflect an alternating pattern of
wet and dry periods. Organic materials, such as dead leaves,
also will take on a dark color under saturated or reduced
conditions. Because of the effect reduced or anoxic conditions
have on the color of soil or substrate, color is used to identify
hydric soils (through the use of soil color charts). Because of the
previously discussed relationship between water and soil con-
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ditions, the presence of hydric soils is often
used as an indicator of soil type and the
presence of water.
Vegetation
The presence of wetland
plants is a function of the in-
fluences of water and hydric
soils, both of which represent
stresses to plant growth. Wet-
land plants must cope with
an overabundance of water
and the lack of oxygen in the soil.
To a large degree, wetland plants are capable
of growing under these stresses and, in many cases, there are
physical or physiological mechanisms to cope with these prob-
lems. For example, cypress knees and mangrove
pneumataphores are modifications of roots that are believed to
function in gas exchange.
A number of wetland plants are also known to actively
transport (or pump) oxygen from the air through their leaves
down to the roots, which cannot get oxygen from anoxic soils.
The color of root channels through soils is, in fact, used to help
identify hydric soils because of the action of oxygen leaking
around the roots themselves, which causes any iron in the soil
to become oxidized or "rusted" (showing a reddish color).
Plants are classified based on their natural distributions
across a range of wet to dry soil conditions. Obligate plant
species are found almost always (99 percent of the time) under
wet (obligate wetland) or dry conditions (obligate upland).
Plant species might also fall into one of three additional
categories between these extremes: facultatix v.' .iand (largely
in wet soils, 67 to 99 percent of the time): facultative (in wet or
drysoils, 34 to 66 percent of the time in either): or facultative
upland (largely in dry soils, 67 to 99 percent of the time).
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Types of Wetlands
The names given to various wetland types can vary from
one part of the country to another but typically fall into one of
a few basic categories and are defined based on where they are
located within the landscape and. in many cases, the types of
plants present. Ponds and lakes, for example, are formed in
depressions that might or might not be fed by streams or creeks.
Swamps are wetlands dominated by large trees, while marshes,
bogs, and savannas are wetlands composed largely of grasses,
sedges, or other small herbaceous plants.
Although several classification schemes for naming or
classifying wetlands have been used, a recent simplified scheme
recognizes major wetland types based on their placement or
position within the landscape (reflected in their names), the
major source of water, and the manner or dynamics with which
water moves. Within this hydrogeomorphic classification
scheme, riverine wetlands, for example, are described as being
associated with linear depressions in the landscape (position)
within and through which surface water (source of water) flows
in a single direction (dynamics of water flow).
The hydrogeomorphic classes of wetlands
Dominant Dominant
Class
Riverine
Depressional
Slope
Mineral soil
flats
(>. _ '.ic soil
Hals
Fringe
source of water
Surface water
Surface and
ground water
Ground water
Precipitation
Precipitation
Ocean tides
hydrodynamics
Unidirectional
Vortical
(evaporation)
Unidirectional
Vertical
Vertical
Bidirectional
Examples
Bottomland
hardwood forest,
rivers, creeks
Ponds and
lakes
Bogs '
Wet pine
savannas
Peat bogs,
everglades
Tidal marshes
Modified from Brhison et ai, 1996.
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Each of the major categories (classes) of wetlands recog-
nized by the hydrogeomorphic classification scheme is briefly
described, along with examples of the common wetland types
associated with each category that occur in the southeastern
United States.
Riverine wetlands
Riverine wetlands are associated with linear basins (posi-
tion) that help drain surface water (source) from the landscape.
Water movement (dynamic) within these drainage basins is in
a single direction—downstream. This category includes the
channels commonly identified as rivers and creeks, but also
includes human-made ditches that, although artificial, facilitate
drainage into larger, natural channels and also function as
wetlands. Vegetated side-channel habitats of large river sys-
tems, such as swamps and bottomland hardwood forests, are
also in this category, as are bayhead swamps that characterize
smaller drainage systems.
• Rivers and creeks are often ignored as wetlands alto-
gether, largely because of the focus on vegetated habitats.
These wetlands do, however, support a wide range of plant and
animal life, while providing a number of other important
functions. Although plants are typically absent from large river
channels, submerged or floating-leaved plants can be found in
smaller streams and creeks and can add significantly to the
habitat quality of these wetlands. Commonly occurring sub-
merged plants (with leaves largely found underwater) include
coontail (Ceratophylliun demcrsum), tape-grass (Vallisneria
ainericaiui). and southern niudiNajcLsguadalupensLs). Spatter-
dock (Nuphdi'luteuin) is acommonly occurring floating-leaved
plant.
• Swamps are forested wetlands typically located in back-
water areas of larger river ba - . > where standing water accumu-
lates (during high water) and remains for weeks to months,
drying out during the summer. These wetlands might be further
named based on the dominant trees that occur in them (for
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example, cypress swamps or tupelo gum swamps). Com-
monly occurring trees include bald cypress (Taxodium
distichum), tupelo gum (Nyssa aquaticd), swamp black gum
(Nyssa sylvatica var. biflora), swamp red maple (Acer rub rum),
and sweetgum (Liquidambar sryraciflua). Other shrubs and
herbaceous plants that also might occur include buttonbush
(Cephalanthus occidentalis), wax myrtle (Myrica ceriferd),
royal and cinnamon fern (Osmunda regalis and Osmunda
cinnamomea), lizard's tail (Saururus cernuus), southern blue
flag (Iris virginica), and sphagnum moss (Sphagnum spp.j.
• Bottomland hardwood forests are typically associated
with large river systems occurring directly adjacent to the main
river or tributary channels. As with swamps, these wetlands are
inundated with water during high-water periods of the year (for
weeks), but unlike swamps, are better drained when water
levels fall. These areas are dominated by a variety of wet-tolerant
trees (e.g., oak and gums) and shrubs, many of them hardwoods
(thus the common designation of bottomland hardwoods).
Common tree species include water oak (Quercus nigrd),
overcup oak (Quercus lyrata). sweetgum, swamp red maple,
water hickory (Carya ac/natica). and yellow poplar
(Liriodendron tulipifcra). A large variety of shrubs and herba-
ceous plants are also common (similar to those listed for
swamps).
• Bayhead swamps are forested wetlands found at or near
the heads of smaller tributaries of large drainage basins or as the
main part of smaller or local drainage systems. These wetlands
drain quickly following rain events, but typically retain satu-
rated soil conditions throughout the year. Commonly occurring
trees include sweetbay magnolia (Magnolia virginiana), swamp
black aim, swamp bay (Perseu palustris), red maple, slash
pine (Pinus elliottii). and sweetgum. Common shrubs and
herbaceous plants include wax myrtle, inkberry (Ilex glabra),
titi (Cyrilla raceiniflora), royal and cinnamon fern, lizard's tail,
sphagnum moss, and a variety of grasses and sedges.
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River/Swamp
Water from surface and
ground waters causes
the water level to rise
and fall.
• Marshes, which are dominated by grasses, rushes, sedges,
and other herbaceous plants, might also occur along river
basins. Common plants include the beak-rushes (Rhyncospora
spp.), spikerushes (Eleocharis spp.), rushes (Jimcus spp.),
bulrushes (Scirpus spp.), arrowheads (Sagittaria spp.),
arrow-arum (Peltandra virginica), waterlily, (Crinum
americanum), pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata), and cattails
(Typha spp.). In some places, such as the Everglades, pure
stands of sawgrass (Cladiiim jamaicence) might predominate.
These marshes also support a variety of birds, mammals,
reptiles, and amphibians.
Depressional wetlands
Depressional wetlands are areas located within isolated
depressions or basins within the landscape (position) that
receive water primarily from ground water and surface water
sources, as well as precipitation (sources). Ponds and lakes
and isolated forested depressions are included i nth is category.
Although a large portion of the water that enters these basins
comes from ground water or surface water flow, it exits these
wetlands through evaporation and is considered to have \ a deal
hydrodynamics. Some larger sites might also have adjacent
bottomland or swamp areas that receive water from ground
water or seasonal high-water periods.
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Pond/Lakes
Water from ground and surface
waters collects in depressions.
The water level changes
by evaporation.
• Ponds and lakes, although largely open-water areas,
might also support the growth of a variety of plant types,
including submerged or floating-leaved aquatic plants, particu-
larly in shallow water areas, and trees and emergent herbaceous
plants that might be present along the shallow margins of these
sites. Commonly occurring submerged plants include southern
naid, waterweed (Elodea canadensis), fanwort (Cahomba
caroliniana). several species of bladderwort (Utricularia spp.),
eurasian water-milfoil (Myriophyllum spicatum), and hydrilla
(Hydrilla rerticilluta), the latter two species being non-natives
that often clog small ponds. Floating-leaved plants include
water shield (Brascnia schreberi), waterlily (Nymphaea
odomta}, and several species of pondweeds (Potamogeton
spp.) and duckweeds (Lemna spp., Spirodela spp.). The edges
of ponds and lakes might support the growth of trees, such as
cypress, black gum. and red maple, and shrubs, such as titi and
wax myrtle, as well as a variety of herbaceous plants, such as
various smartweeds (Polygomun spp.). grasses, sedges, rushes,
and irises.
• Isolated forested depressions occur in certain areas,
supporting trees similar to those seen in riverine swamps or
bayhead habitats (e.g., cypress, black gum, sweetbay magno-
lia). T!K .,- habitats are referred to under a variety •'' names,
often taken from the dominant trees present, such as gum ponds,
cypress ponds (cypress domes in Florida), or swamps.
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Slope wetlands
Slope wetlands are located on the slopes of hillsides (posi-
tion) where ground water (source) flows out or seeps onto the
surface. Hillside bogs and fens are examples of this type of
wetland and support a variety of herbaceous wetland plants
(e.g., sphagnum moss; pitcher plants, Sarmcenia spp.) that
depend on the steady supply of water. The direction of water
flow is horizontal (dynamics) from the point where ground
water exits the soil profile and proceeds to flow
downslope. Although bogs and fens are
largely open areas, forested seepage areas
might also be recognized.
• Bogs and fens (largely in northern
areas of the country) support a variety of
herbaceous plants that tolerate highly satu-
rated and acidic soil conditions. Sphagnum
moss is one of the most commonly occurring
plants in these wetlands, often forming thick
mats. These wetlands also support the growth of
unusual plants, such as carnivorous pitcher plants,
terrestrial orchids, and many species of ferns,
grasses, sedges, and other flowering plants. In many
areas, these wetlands are the sites of a number of rare,
threatened, or endangered species.
• Forested seepage areas can also occur along
hillsides and can support the growth of wet-tolerant
ferns, shrubs, and some of the same herbaceous
plants found in forested wetlands.
Mineral and organic soil flats
Mineral and organic soil flats are wetlands that occur on
extensive flat areas that have poor surface drainage, and, in
many cases, overlie subsurface soil layers that act to hold or
"perch" water t;t or near the surface. The combination t : '-i-or
surface drainage and a perched water table leads to soil satura-
tion and hydric soil conditions. Water enters these wetlands
largely through precipitation (source) and exits by evaporation
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(vertical dynamics). Wet pine.
savannas (grasslands or prai-
ries) and wet pine flatwoods
are examples of mineral soil
flats common to the south-
eastern United States and are
characterized by sandy (i.e.,
mineral), nutrient-poor soils.
Peat bogs of the northeastern
United States and some lim-
ited areas of the Florida Ev-
erglades are examples of or-
ganic soil flats, where
undecomposed vegetation
(organic matter) accumulates
over extended periods of time.
• Wet pine savannas are basi-
cally open grasslands with scattered pines. Both long-leaf
(Finns palnstris) and slash pine occur in savannas, although
longleaf pine is more prevalent under natural conditions. Savan-
nas support an extremely high diversity of herbaceous plants,
including numerous species of carnivorous plants (insect-eating
plants such as pitcher plants and sundews, Drosera spp.), as well
as numerous species of orchids, sunflowers, bladderworts,
butterworls. grasses, sedges, nut-rushes, and other flowering
plants. As many as 30 to 40 species of plants can be found within
a square meter of this habitat type, making it one of the most
diverse terrestrial habitats in temperate North America. A large
number of rare, threatened, and endangered species of animals
(e.g.. red-cockaded woodpecker, gopher tortoise, black pine
snake, and Mississippi sandhill crane) are also found in these
habitats. Wet pine savannas and \v et pine flatwoods also depend
on periodic fire to recycle the \\- ,-d levels of nutrients between
the plants and soil and to maintain an open landscape. Most of
the plants and many of the animals that live in these wetlands are
adapted to and depend on fire. In the absence of fire, nutrients
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become even more limited and shrubs (such as inkberry)-
invade, crowding out the herbaceous plants and changing-the
open nature of the habitat.
• Wet pine flatwoods are largely woodlands dominated
by pines (slash and longleaf), differing from the grass-domi-
nated wet pine savannas. Pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens),
sweetbay magnolia, and black gum (Nyssa sylvatica var.
sylvaticd) might also be common understory trees. Cinnamon,
royal, and netted chain fern (Woodwardia areolatd) are com-
mon along with numerous woodland grasses and sedges. Many
of the carnivorous and other herbaceous plants that occur in
savannas can also occur here. As with wet pine savannas, this
habitat is fire adapted.
• Expansive peat bogs form in cooler climates where
decomposition of dead vegetation (especially sphagnum) is
slowed and, therefore, accumulates over hundreds and thou-
sands of years and can be several feet to tens of feet deep.
Organic flats in the warmer portions of the country, such as the
Florida Everglades, are typically areas where plant matter
accumulates under extreme anoxic conditions that prevent or
slow its decomposition such that it accumulates in a similar
fashion to peat bogs. These habitats can include a variety of
herbaceous grasses, sedges, and other flowering plants.
Fringe wetlands
Fringe wetlands are those habitats that occur along the
margins (i.e., fringes) of large bodies of water, such as large
lakes and oceans (position). Water enters these wetlands through
the periodic flooding from tidal action (in the case of coastal
fringe wetlands) or the seiche associated with large lakes (such
as the Great Lakes). A seiche is the back and forth sloshing of
the water within a large basin (much like the sloshing of a bowl
of soup ,.- vou carry it) caused by meteorological ...-nditions
(e.g., wind). The most common fringe wetlands, however, are
the tidal wetlands associated with coastal areas, where salty
ocean waters and fresh waters from rivers (source) mix and
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move back and forth (bi-
directional dynamic) as tides.
Tides are generated by a combination of
the gravitational pull of the moon and sun causing alternating
flooding and drainage of water from tidal wetlands. Tides can
occur on a semidiurnal (twice daily) or diurnal (once daily)
cycle, depending on the region of the country and other hydro-
logic and meteorological conditions. Tides in the Gulf of
Mexico are diurnal and are often affected by meteorlogical
conditions. Most tidal wetlands are dominated by emergent
grasses and sedges and are known as tidal or salt marshes.
Several subtypes of tidal marshes are recognized, depending on
the elevation and amount of salt present (or salinity) that, in
part, is related to their positions along the coastline or coastal
river system. Mangrove forest and tidal swamps, both forested
wetlands, also belong to this type of wetland.
• Tidal marshes are basically wet meadows or grasslands
composed largely of wet-tolerant grasses and sedges, which
must also tolerate varying quantities of salt present in the water
that floods these wetlands. Because these plants must tolerate
flooding and salt, relatively few species of plants dominant
these wetlands, and many of the subtypes of tidal marshes
recognized are composed of nearly pure stands of a single
species of plant. For the most part, these single-species marsh
subtypes also occur within sped fie elevational positions within
the intertidal zone (low. mi-, ', j|. high elevation) and selected
salinity levels (six categories, ranging from fresh to saturated
salt concentrations) that correspond to their positions along
both sradients associated with coastal rivers. The most com-
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mon species of tidal marsh plants and their preferred elevations
include smooth cordgrass (Spartina alterniflora, low marsh),
black needlerush (Jimcus roetnerianus, mid-elevation marsh),
and salt marsh hay (Spartina patens, high marsh).
Other common plants and their conditions of occurrence
include (freshwater to low salinity, midmarsh) lance-leaved
arrowhead (Sagittaria lancifolid), giant cordgrass (Spartina
cynosuroides), salt marsh aster (Aster tenuifolius - ranges into
higher salinity salt marshes), (saltwater, midmarsh) Olneyi's
bulrush (Scirpus olneyi), salt marsh bulrush (Scirpus robustus),
salt grass (Distichlis spicata - ranges into high marsh), (saltwa-
ter, high marsh) glass wort or pickleweed (Salicornia virginica,
Salicornia bigelovii), lea lavender (Limonium caroliniamtm),
sea ox-eye (Borrichia frutescens), and groundsel bush
(Baccharis halinrifolia).
• Mangrove forests and tidal swamps are simply forested
types of tidal wetlands. Mangrove forests are largely
restricted to the subtropical portions of Florida and
south Texas, and they are the dominant type of tidal
wetland in tropic areas around the globe. In the
United States, these forests are dominated by one of
four major species of mangroves, including the red
mangrove (Rhizophom mangle, typically low
elevation), black mangrove (Avicennia
genninans, typically midlevel eleva-
tion), white mangrove (Lagunciilciria
raceinosa, typically high elevation)
and buttonwood (Conocarpus
erectns, high elevation). Tidal
swamps are basically bottomland
hardwoods and swamps previously
described as riverine wetlands that
are exposed to a tidal flow of water.
In effect, these u..i.ands are at the
interface between riverine and tidal
wetlands.
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Functions and Values of Wetlands
As with any type of habitat, wetlands provide a number of
functions and values. Both of these terms are often used
interchangeably, but are distinct. This must be understood in
order to place them in perspective. The term "value" refers to
the worth of an object or thing as it relates directly to people. A
wetland might be used as a site for recreation, for example, and
is clearly of "value" to humans. A function, on the other hand,
is an action or duty performed, regardless of who or what
benefits. Wetlands, for example, are the homes or habitats for
numerous plants and animals, regardless of how important they
might be to humans. The list of functions and values on page 17
reflects these distinctions.
Clearly, wetlands are habitats important to humans and
wildlife, based on the number of functions and values they
provide. Humans, for example, benefit directly from these
habitats through the ways that wetlands drain the landscape
(flood conveyance and flood storage), cleanse the water (pol-
lution control), and support the growth of plants and animals
that they harvest for their uses (food and timber production).
Humans also value wetlands for their beauty (aesthetics) and as
places for recreation. Wetlands are also home to numerous
plant and animal species known only from these areas (resident
organisms), as well as important habitats used by animals from
other areas. Many mammals and birds, for example, use wet-
lands only part time.
The last point should serve as a reminder that wetlands are
only parts of the overall landscape and that much of what goes
on in these areas is affected by what happens elsewhere.
Pollution that originates from upland areas, for example, ulti-
mately makes its way into wetlands and when excessive, can
harm the plants and animals found there and degrade the habitat
itself. The destruction or degradation of wetland habitats simi-
larly affects resident and \. ^resident plants and animals.
Wetlands, in other words, are integrally connected to the rest of
the world and must be viewed as parts of the entire system of
habitats in which life exists.
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Functions and values provided by wetlands
Functions
Flood conveyance—Rivers and adjacent floodplain wetlands vServe to
convey floodwaters downstream.
Flood storage—Floodplain wetlands store water during times of flood
and slowly release the water to downstream areas, lowering flood
peaks.
Barriers to waves and erosion—Coastal and inland water wetlands
help baffle the effects of storm tides and waves before they reach
uplands.
Sediment control—Wetlands slow the velocity of floodwaters, reduc-
ing erosion and causing floodwaters to release their sediments.
Pollution control—Wetland plants protect bodies of water from
excess sediments, nutrients, and other natural and human-made
pollutants by filtering them from the water.
Fish and shellfish—Wetlands are important sources of nutrients for
fish and shellfish, especially in coastal areas.
Habitat for waterfowl and other wildlife—Wetlands provide essen-
tial breeding, nesting, feeding, and refuge habitats for wildlife.
Habitat for rare and endangered species—Many rare and endan-
gered animal and plant species depend partially or entirely on
wetlands.
Values
Recreation—Wetlands serve as recreation areas for hunting, fishing,
and observing wildlife.
Water supply—Wetlands are often used as sources of ground and
surface water supplies for human use.
Water quality—The cleansing capabilities of wetlands are important
for filtering chemical and other water-borne pollutants.
Food production—Because of their high levels of natural productiv-
ity, wetlands have large potentials for use through harvesting of
vegetation and aquaculture.
Timber production-—When managed properly, forested wetlands
can provide important sources of timber.
Historic, archaeological values—Some wetlands are important for
historic, archaeological, and even paleontological reasons.
Kduca;' n and research—All wetland types can piv. 'ucalional
opportunities through nature observation and scientific study.
Open space and aesthetic values—Wetlands are areas of great
diversity and beauty, providing open space for recreational and
visual enjoyment.
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Wetland Laws and Regulations and
Responsible Agencies
There are federal and state laws that limit a number of
human activities within wetlands. The laws are based on the
recognition that wetlands do provide important functions and
values. These regulations reflect the recognition that wetlands
are vulnerable to the activities of humans in adjacent areas, in
large part, because of their positions within the landscape
(downhill from adjacent non-wetland areas). Regardless, wet-
land regulations are often ill-received by
st federal segments of the public (particularly land-
regulations regarding owners) because they restrict activities and
wetlands are defined use of the land. In reality, many of the restric-
within the Clean Water tions placed on the use of wetlands by the
Act. The act originated in public, landowners, and even developers are
1973 and most recently minor and anowable under what are known
modified in 1995. as genera[ or nationwide permits. These types
of permits coyer activities considered to cause minor or
small-scaled impacts to wetlands. Large development
projects receive more careful review and might be disal-
lowed or require some form of mitigation (compensation) for
the loss of wetlands. In any case, much of the negative re-
sponses to these regulations could be lessened with better
public education (including those most affected) regarding the
important and critical roles played by wetlands.
Most federal regulations regarding wetlands are defined
within the Clean Water Act (originated in 1973 and most
recently modified in 1995), because they refer to activities
involving direct impacts to wetlands, e.g.. dredging or filling
(Section 404) and indirect impacts associated with water qual-
ity (Section 401). Most of the regulations that affect landowners
fal i under Section 404 and are handled b\ the ;. S, Army Corps
of Engineers. Water quality issues defined under Section 401
are handled by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Several other federal agencies also take part in the regulatory
process, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (U.S.
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Department of the Interior), the National Marine Fisheries
Service (U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration), and the Natural Resource Con-
servation Service (formerly the Soil Conservation Service of
the U.S. Department of Agriculture). State regulations regard-
ing wetlands often parallel those at the federal level but might
involve more than one state agency. Coastal wetlands are often
regulated as part of a state-federal program known as the
Coastal Zone Management Program, which is administered at
the federal level through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA). The federal and state agencies re-
sponsible for enforcement of these regulations for the five Gulf
of Mexico states are listed at the end of this publication.
Allowable Activities and
Types of Wetland Permits
Most activities proposed for wetlands can be classified
as minor, because they cause small-scaled or negligible
impacts, or major, causing large or significant impacts.
Minor activities are regulated as general or regional per-
mits and cover activities that include common construction,
farming, navigation, or recreational practices, such as minor
filling, placement of aids to navigation (e.g., buoys), and use
of structures or devices for hunting and fishing (duck blinds,
crab pots). These general permits are designed to clearly
define the scope and limitations of these minor activities so
persons proposing to undertake them are preapproved in
most cases.
On the federal level, these general permits are called
nationwide permits. States typically recognize and honor na-
tionwide permits but might disallow some or add additional
limitations.
79
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Minor activities covered by nationwide or
regional (i.e., state)pennits.
• Fish and wildlife harvesting—Allows for placement and
use of noncommercial fish-collecting devices such as nets
and traps, and the construction of hunting platforms such as
duck blinds (assuming these activities also meet state and
federal fishing and hunting regulations).
• Bank stabilization—Allows private property owners the
ability to protect shorelines from erosion (state guidelines
on how and where structures are built and placed usually
apply).
• Road crossings—Allows for minor filling of wetlands
(not to exceed 1/3 of an acre) associated with road crossings
(requires use of culverts to allow water flow).
• Minor dredging—Allows for the dredging of no more
than 25 cubic yards of materials from navigable waters (not
to include vegetated wetlands, reefs, or aquatic beds).
• Maintenance dredging of existing basins—Allows for
removal of accumulated sediments from existing marinas,
canals, and boat slips.
« Minor filling of headwater and isolated wetlands —
Allows for the filling of from 1 to 10 acres of headwater or
isolated wetlands (with notification to the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers and the responsible state agency).
Large-scaled activities in
wetlands typically require in-
dividual permits specific
to the individual
project being
proposed. This
type of permit re-
quire^ detailed
plans .hat must be
reviewed and ap-
proved by federal and
•=»._
20
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state agencies. Typically, this review process includes efforts to
determine ways that impacts to wetlands can be avoided or
minimized. In many cases, compensation or mitigation for
those wetlands that are lost is required as a condition of this type
of permit. Mitigation might consist of the restoration of de-
graded wetlands or the construction of new wetlands to com-
pensate for the loss of wetlands to the project. For some
moderately sized but common activities in coastal areas (e.g.,
construction of bulkheads, piers, boat slips, and docks), most
states have developed specific guidelines as part of their coastal
zone policies.
Permitting Process:
Who is in Charge?
i
Except for activities associated with recreational uses of j
wetlands (fishing and hunting), anyone planning activities in
wetlands should contact the nearest state or federal agency
before any activity is conducted. Agency personnel can deter- I
mine whether or not the activity falls under a general permit, I
which typically does not require a permit application, or an j
individual permit that will require more effort. Although gen-
eral permits cover minor activities, they all include specific
limitations and guidelines that may be modified or amended by
state regulations. Most states also have specific design limits
and recommendations that apply to the construction of bulk-
heads, boat slips, and piers. It is always a good idea, therefore,
to check with appropriate authorities for advice and guidance.
In some states, a permit might be required from the state and
federal governments. In others, cooperative agreements be-
tvveon the Corps of Engineers and the responsible state agency
allow for a one-stop permitting process. Interested individuals
should begin by contacting the appropriate state agency.
21
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Resources
References
Brinson, M. 1993. A Hydrogeomorphic Classification for
Wetlands. Technical Report WRP-DE-4. U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers Waterways Experiment Station,
Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Brinson, M.M., F.R. Hauer, L.C. Lee, W.L. Nutter, R.D.
Rheinhardt, R.D. Smith, and D. Whigham. 1996. A
Guidebook for Application of Hydrogeomorphic
Assessments to Riverine Wetlands. Technical Report
WRP-DE-11. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Waterways Experiment Station, Vicksburg. Mississippi.
Niering, W.A. 1985. Wetlands (The Audubon Society
Nature Guides). Alfred A. Knopf. Inc., New York,
New York.
Weller, M.W. 1981. Freshwater Marshes: Ecology and
Wildlife Management. University of Minnesota Press,
Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Wetland Plant and Animal Guides
Duncan, W.H., and M.B. Duncan. 1987. The Smithsonian
Guide to Seaside Plants of the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts.
Smithsonian Institution Press. Washington. DC.
Eieuterius, L.N. 1990. Tidal Marsh Plants. Pelican
Publishing Co., Inc., Gretna. Louisiana.
Niering, W.A. 1985. Wetlands (The Audubon Society
Nature Guides). Alfred A. Knopf. Inc.. New York,
New York.
Tiner, R. W. 1993. Field Guide to Coastal Wetland Plants of
the Southeastern United States. The University of
Massachusetts Press. Amhersi. '-Massachusetts.
22 •
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Federal and State Agencies
Responsible for Wetland Regulations
Florida
Federal Agency U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Jacksonville District
P.O. Box 4970
Jacksonville, FL 32232-0019
(904)232-1666
State Agency Florida Department of Environmental
Protection
Environmental Resource Permitting
2600 Blair Stone Road
Tallahassee, FL 32399-2400
(904)488-0130
Alabama
Federal Agency U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Mobile District
P.O. Box 2288
Mobile, AL 36628-0001
(334)690-2581
State Agency Alabama Department of
Environmental Management
Water Division
P.O. Box 301463
Montgomery, AL 36130-1463
(334)271-7700
Mississippi
Federal Agenc\ I'.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Mobile District
P.O. Box 2288
Mobile, AL 36628-0001
(334)690-2581
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State Agency
Mississippi Department
of Marine Resources
Wetlands Division
152 Gateway Drive
Biloxi, MS 39531
(601) 385-5860
Louisiana
Federal Agency
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
New Orleans District
P.O. Box 60267
New Orleans, LA 70160-0267
(504) 862-2255
State Agency Louisiana Department
of Natural Resources
Coastal Management Division
P.O. Box 44487
Baton Rouge, LA 70804
(504)342-7591
Texas
Federal Agency
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Galveston District
P.O. Box 1229
Galveston,TX 77553-1229
(409) 766-3930
State Agency Texas Natural Resource
Conser. lion Commission
Research & Environmental Assessment
P.O. Box 13087 (Mailing Code 150)
Austin, TX 78711-3087
(512)239-4422
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Gulf of Mexico Program Office
Building 1103, Room 202
Stennis Space Center. MS 39529-6000
Office (601)688-3726
Printed on Recycled Paper
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE
B\ Dr. Mark W. LaSallc. Extension Marine Resource Specialist, Estuarine Ecology, Sea
(iram \d\isory Service
Mi-.- /pi State University does not discriminate on UK , .IMS of'race, color, religion.
national origin, sex. age, disability, or veteran status.
Publication 2157
Extension Service of Mississippi State University, cooperating with U.S. Department of
Agriculture. Published in furtherance of Acts of Congress, May 8 and June 30, 1914.
RONALD A. BROWN. Director " ' (4^.4.97)
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