What
is many times overlooked, occasionally filled in, and critical to all forms of
life on Earth? Yes, you guessed it: a wetland!
Although many may describe these locations as mosquito swamps or stale marshes, these thriving
ecosystems provide numerous services to surrounding species and watersheds.
Nicknamed the “kidneys” of watersheds, wetlands filter out toxins and improve
water quality for surrounding streams, rivers, lakes, and other wetlands (ASWM).
Apart from these services, wetlands also provide:
·
Flood attenuation
·
Water storage
·
Habitats for dependent species (i.e. frogs, salamanders, turtles)
·
Recreational opportunities (hunting, hiking, paddling, fishing, etc.)
·
Natural carbon sinks for capturing CO2 and reducing greenhouse
gases!
With
heightened flood risk, groundwater shortages, and increasing carbon content in
the air, protecting wetlands can be an achievable governance approach to mitigating
climate change.
However,
why is there so much concern over wetlands? What are the threats? And how can
these threats be addressed?
One
key actor which seeks to solve these questions is the Wisconsin Department of
Natural Resources (DNR). Working as a state-run organization and partnering
with community nonprofits (such as the Wisconsin Wetlands Association) the
DNR serves to enhance the overall health and functioning of our natural
environment.
The
Department of Natural Resources in Wisconsin originally grew out of the
Wisconsin Natural Resources Board, which was officially established in 1867.
However since this board was mainly state-based and state-run, a later version
of the conservation entity emerged in 1934, naming themselves the “Conservation
Congress”. The main focus of this branch was to give Wisconsin citizens a “local
avenue” for raising their voice on conservation issues (DNR History). Finally,
in 1967, the Wisconsin DNR was officially created to serve as a liaison between
these two conservation entities.
To meet the goal of addressing environmentally-focused concerns, the DNR's geographic outreach expands across the entire state of Wisconsin, with official Service
Centers in 27 of the 72 counties. Here below is the division of DNR regions per the
nearest service centers.
The
DNR website also includes links to search for the Service Center nearest your
city. If you’re interested where this might be, check it out here!
Although
this geographic area is quite expansive, the DNR also focuses in on local
environmental contexts to best service each area. The mission statement
demonstrates this well by emphasizing the DNR’s goal:
“To
protect and enhance our natural resources:
our air, land and water;
our wildlife, fish and forests
and the ecosystems that sustain all
life.
To
provide a healthy, sustainable environment
and a full range of outdoor opportunities.
To
ensure the right of all people
to use and enjoy these resources
in their work and leisure.
To
work with people
to understand each other’s views
and to carry out the public will.
And
in this partnership
consider the future
and generations to follow.”
So
how does the DNR specifically apply the management of fish, wildlife, forests,
parks, etc. to wetlands? Simple, the DNR condenses them down into a
three-step approach:
1.
Protection of wetlands – The DNR provides information about permits for landowners
and developers, tips for buyers acquiring wetland territory, and community
planning for land use. After all, “approximately 75 percent [of wetlands] are
privately owned” in Wisconsin! (WProtect)
2.
Restoration & Management – The DNR offers an award-winning restoration guide,
opportunities to assist landowners with technical and financial help in restoration,
and a Wetland Restoration Handbook for Wisconsin Landowners. Here is a link
to the Chapter 1, which includes a great look at the history of Wisconsin
wetlands and the importance they hold today.
3.
Exploration – This step includes the educational outreach that the DNR hosts,
including suggested wetland sites to visit, events calendars for hikes or
activities related to local wetlands, and educational videos and documents.
One
example of how the DNR has stepped in to address a threat to the Great Lakes
coastal wetland is the elimination of the phragmites plant—an invasive species
that choked Door County wetlands of the resources necessary for natural
wildlife survival.
Check out this video to learn more on how the DNR and other actors are getting involved in this wetland threat:
Want to know more about how this state department serves Wisconsin?
Visit the DNR's Wetland website here!
Additional reads:
- Association of State Wetland Monitors
- Natural Resources Conservation Service, Wetland Reserve
- 2011 WI Act 118 - Wetlands Compensatory Mitigation Legislation
