Freshwater Wetlands, cont. 



strands, bogs, sloughs, vegetated natural 

 swales, and all other similar natural habitats. 

 They take up, convert, store, and supply 

 basic nutrient to the coastal ecosystem, 

 often via transfer through the upper and 

 lower saltwater wetlands. They act as 

 buffer strips and retention areas, delaying 

 the surge of stormwaters. They are intrinsi- 

 cally valuable, providing exceptional habitat 

 and food for wildlife. 



Dunes and Beach Ridges 



Saltwater Wetlands 



Includes the frontal dune and all active 

 secondary dunes; extending from the "toe" of 

 the frontal dune or beach ridge (vegetation 

 line) to the backside of the most inland 

 active dune (active dunes visibly gain or lose 

 sand; vegetated mostly with grasses rather than 

 woody vegetation). They buffer the force of 

 storm seas and provide capacity to store and 

 yield sand to protect beaches and shorelands. 

 They furnish turtle and bird nesting areas 

 and valuable habitats for certain wildlife 

 species. 



Includes all vegetated peripheral areas of the 

 estuary, specifically, salt marshes and 

 mangroves swamps. Recognized as areas subject 

 to normal flooding by salt or brackish watei^ 

 and vegetated with salt tolerant plant 

 communities dominated by certain grasses, 

 rushes, or mangrove trees. The point above 

 which there is no significant wetland marks 

 the inner boundary of the coastal waters and 

 approximates the 1 year storm mark--the point 

 of the highest expected yearly storm surge. 

 Upper wetlands lie between the 1 year mark and 

 mean high water (occasionally flooded); lower 

 wetlands lie between mean high and mean low 

 waters; each is characterized by different 

 plant species and has different ecological 

 functions. Upper wetlands receive the 

 flow of runoff waters, cleanse them of 

 contaminants, intermittently export nutri- 

 ents, provide habitat and open space/scenic 

 benefits. Lower wetlands convert nutrients 

 to organic detritus, an important element 

 in the food chain of coastal ecosystems. 

 Vegetation removes toxic materials, excess 

 nutrients, and sediment. Vegetation also 



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