News & Information
Why are wetlands so important?
Wetlands are found throughout Massachusetts, from the coast to inland areas as far west as the Berkshires. For many years, wetlands were regarded as nothing more than swampy areas to be drained and used for other purposes. We now know that wetlands serve an important role in our ecosystem. Some of the ways in which wetlands are beneficial include helping to protect our drinking water supplies by filtering pollutants, capturing water that might otherwise cause flooding, and providing a home for fish and wildlife. On top of that, wetlands are also beautiful spaces to be enjoyed.
Coastal wetlands are areas adjacent to the ocean, such as beaches, salt marshes, and coastal banks. Inland wetlands are areas where the water level is at or just below ground level and include marshes, wet meadows, and swamps.
In the early 1960’s, Massachusetts passed the nation’s first wetlands protection laws. These laws expanded into what is now known as the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. Wetlands regulations are enforced by town conservation commissions to protect and conserve our precious wetland resource areas.
