Riparian Wetlands Protection
Riparian wetlands are areas along the banks of natural bodies of water such as rivers or lakes. Wetlands are home to a very diverse assortment of plant and animal species. Because of the continued presence of water, many of the species become specifically adapted to living in these special habitats. In addition to the animals that can be found there all year long, wetlands also provide food, water, and breeding grounds for many species of migratory birds passing through the area each year. Protecting our wildlife means protecting our wetlands - according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA), more than one-third of the threatened and endangered species in the U.S. live only in wetlands and about half of them use wetlands at some time in their lives.

Wetlands are more than just a home to plants and animals however; they are vital components of entire ecosystems. Wetlands play a major rin a region's water cycle, and scientists even believe that they help to regulate global atmospheric and climatological conditions by storing carbon within their soils and plants. The abundant vegetation also provides natural protection against flooding and shoreline erosion by absorbing water, holding the soil together, and breaking the flow of currents. Wetlands are also a source of recreation for millions of people. According to the EPA, approximately 98 million U.S. adults hunt, fish, bird-watch, or photograph wildlife, spending $59.5 billion per year.

Wetlands are very fragile habitats and are easily damaged by our actions; the EPA estimates that between 70,000 and 90,000 acres of wetland are lost each year due to activities such as logging, mining, construction, and draining for agricultural purposes. Daily activities done in the house and around the yard can also be very destructive to wetlands.

The storm water drains found in streets lead directly into near by rivers and lakes without any treatment. Locally, this means that whatever is put down the storm drains goes directly into the Huron River and can result in an overgrowth of aquatic weeds or dipoison fish and other aquatic life.

Here are some ways you can help prevent pollution of our local waterways:

• Wash your car only at a commercial car wash. Car washing generates significant amounts of contaminated runoff containing detergents, greasediment that can run into the storm drains. At commercial car washes, the water is funneled into the sanitary sewer and treated at the wastewater treatment plant.
• Avoid applying pesticides and lawn fertilizers on sidewalks and driveways where they can be washed away into the drains.
• Never dispose of household chemicals outdoors. Always use chemicals for their intended use and follow the directions on the product labels for proper disposal procedures. Chemicals such as transmission and brake fluid, antifreeze, and used motor oil can be taken to drop-off centers for disposal.

Here are some other ways you can actively protect our wetlands:

• Get involved in your state and local government. Encourage lawmakers to establish programs in your area to restore and protect wetlands.
• Do not develop over or near wetlands, and encourage neighbors and developers to do the same.
• Learn about wetlands near your home and help educate your community on the importance of their preservation. Many communities have organizations dedicated to preserving and restoring damaged wetlands and welcome your participation. See below for a list of some local organizations.

Following is a list of local organizations that welcome your support:

• Huron River Watershed Council: Helping YOU to protect the Huron River System. This site also contains a list of contact information for six creek associations located within the Huron Watershed.
• Potawatomi Land Trust: Established by Washtenaw County residents in 1989 to protect land for its natural, scenic, recreational, historic, and productive values.
• Friends of the Rouge: Friends of the Rouge is a local non-profit organization dedicated to promoting restoration and stewardship of the Rouge River through education and citizen involvement. Since 1986, the organization has been getting people directly involved in cleaning up and restoring their streams.

Thanks to the EPA Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds for providing information for this site. Visit them at http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/wetlands/vital/toc.html

Other Resources for Information

• America's Wetlands: Our Vital Link Between Land and Water - This site will give you a better understanding of the rich variety of wetlands, their importance, how they are threatened, and what can be done to conserve them for future generations.
• Great Lakes Science Center - The Great Lakes Science Center is in its eighth decade of providing information about biological resources in the Great Lakes Basin. The Center's research results are used by management agencies, other researchers, and the public to gain a better understanding about this unique resource, and to better manage it for the public interest.
• Surf Your Watershed - A service to help you locate, use, and share environmental information about your place.
• Wetland Links - a long list of web sites on topics including wetland management, education, issues, research, and restoration.