Coastal Wetlands
What do coastal wetlands do for you? If you’ve been clamming, crabbing, or enjoy eating salmon, you have reaped the benefits of wetland ecosystems. Wetland areas improve water quality, provide flood protection and support tons of fish, wildlife and plants. Their economic importance to commercial fisheries and recreational uses is tremendous. Despite their recognized value, 90 percnet of tidal coastal wetlands in the Pacific northwest have been lost to development and farming.
Viewer tip: Find out if wetlands exist near your home and consider joining a clean-up or restoration project in your community. If you live near a wetland, leave a “buffer strip” of natural vegetation between your property and the wetland to protect water quality.
Seasons: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
This information is provided by COSEE Pacific Partnerships. Learn more at www.cosee.net/about/aboutcenters/coseepp/.
(Source: Oregon.gov website on wetland restoration: http://www.oregonstatelands.us/DSL/WETLAND/wetland_restoration.shtml)
