What Laws Protect Wetlands?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The federal government protects wetlands through regulations, such as

Section 404 of the Clean Water Act

, economic incentives and disincentives, cooperative programs, and acquisition.

What government agency protects wetlands?

Wetlands Protection and Restoration |

US EPA

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Which of the following acts protect wetlands from development?

The federal government protects wetlands through regulations, such as

Section 404 of the Clean Water Act

, economic incentives and disincentives, cooperative programs, and acquisition.

What are 3 ways we can protect a wetland?

  • Maintain a buffer strip of native plants along streams and wetlands. …
  • Use pesticides and fertilizers sparingly. …
  • Avoid non-native and invasive species of plants. …
  • Avoid stormwater run-off and don’t pollute. …
  • Keep your pets under control.

Does the EPA protect wetlands?

EPA works with

a variety of other federal agencies

to protect and restore wetlands, including the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the National Marine Fisheries Service.

How does the EPA protect wetlands?

USEPA responsibilities which affect wetlands include, but are not limited to, developing rules to regulate municipal and industrial wastewater discharge, and stormwater discharge;

overseeing drinking water quality

; and overseeing USACE regulatory activities pertaining to wetlands protection, and dredge and fill …

What is wetlands act?

The principal federal program that

provides regulatory protection for wetlands

is found in Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Its intent is to protect water and adjacent wetland areas from adverse environmental effects due to discharges of dredged or fill material.

Why it is important to protect wetlands?

Wetlands are a critical part of our natural environment. They

protect our shores from wave action, reduce the impacts of floods, absorb pollutants and improve water quality

. They provide habitat for animals and plants and many contain a wide diversity of life, supporting plants and animals that are found nowhere else.

What are three common types of wetlands?

  • Marshes.
  • Swamps.
  • Bogs.
  • Fens.

Can you build on wetlands?


You can build on wetlands as long as they’re not jurisdictional

, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be fighting an uphill battle. When wetlands are filled, the water that makes them wet has to go somewhere. If you’re building on these lands, you have to consider that your home or business may be damaged by this water.

What are 2 ways to protect wetlands?

  1. Create a Native Plant Buffer Strip. Improve the health of wetlands by planting a buffer strip of native plants. …
  2. Reduce the Use of Pesticides and Fertilizers. …
  3. Get Rid of Non-Native and Invasive Species. …
  4. Reduce Stormwater Run-Off. …
  5. Clean Up after Pets.

How can we protect and restore wetlands?

  1. discovering locally protected wetlands with friends and family.
  2. participating in environmental stewardship initiatives in your area, such as tree and shrub planting and litter clean-ups.
  3. supporting wetland-conservation initiatives by donating time or money, if you can.

What are benefits of wetlands?

Wetlands provide many societal benefits:

food and habitat for fish and wildlife

, including threatened and endangered species; water quality improvement; flood storage; shoreline erosion control; economically beneficial natural products for human use; and opportunities for recreation, education, and research (Figure 28) …

What kinds of plants and animals live in the wetlands?


Alligators, snakes, turtles, newts and salamanders

are among the reptiles and amphibians that live in wetlands. Invertebrates, such as crayfish, shrimp, mosquitoes, snails and dragonflies, also live in wetlands, along with birds including plover, grouse, storks, herons and other waterfowl.

What are the environmental benefits of wetlands?

Wetlands provide many societal benefits:

food and habitat for fish and wildlife

, including threatened and endangered species; water quality improvement; flood storage; shoreline erosion control; economically beneficial natural products for human use; and opportunities for recreation, education, and research (Figure 28) …

What are 5 benefits of wetlands?

  • Improved Water Quality. Wetlands can intercept runoff from surfaces prior to reaching open water and remove pollutants through physical, chemical, and biological processes. …
  • Erosion Control. …
  • Flood Abatement. …
  • Habitat Enhancement. …
  • Water Supply. …
  • Recreation. …
  • Partnerships. …
  • Education.
Diane Mitchell
Author
Diane Mitchell
Diane Mitchell is an animal lover and trainer with over 15 years of experience working with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, birds, and horses. She has worked with leading animal welfare organizations. Diane is passionate about promoting responsible pet ownership and educating pet owners on the best practices for training and caring for their furry friends.