51 



USFWS A B Leupold 



Fig. 48. Riparian wetlands along rivers and lakes are important to many types of wildlife in the West, (a) riparian wetland and (b) mourning dove. 



and/or changing plant species composition. 



The magnitude of riparian forest losses is alarming. 

 For example, cottonwood communities along the Colora- 

 do River in Arizona have been reduced by 44 9^, while in 

 Colorado more than 90% of the river's riparian habitats 

 were destroyed (Ohmart, et al. 1977). Only 2% of the 

 original riparian forests along the Sacramento River in 

 California remain (McGill 1975, 1979). In Oklahoma, 

 Rush and Wildhorse Creeks in the Washita watershed 

 experienced a 93% and 84% reduction in bottomland 

 forests between 1 87 1 and 1969 (Barclay 1980). Today, 

 no natural wetlands exist within their fioodplains. 



Flood control projects, supported by Public Law 566, 

 have reduced flood frequency and magnitude. This, in 

 combination with channelization, has created drier condi- 

 tions which may be the main factor for lower abundance 

 of amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals on channel- 

 ized sites (Barclay 1978). Besidesdirect losses of habitat, 

 the quality of remaining riparian lands is changing due to 

 water quality degradation, reduced streamflow, and the 

 invasion of saltcedar, an exotic tree of lower wildlife 

 value (Ohmart, et al. 1977). 



Because these riparian zones are of such tremendous 

 value to wildlife, it is incumbent upon public agencies to 

 treat them with a preservationist attitude. When a water 

 project does extensive damage to a riparian area, there 

 should be every effort made to mitigate that damage, 

 either by planting of riparian species in nonvegetated 

 riparian areas or by acquisition and enhancement of exist- 

 ing riparian zones. 



Urban Wetlands 



Wetlands near urban centers are under increasing de- 

 velopment pressure for residential housing, industry, and 

 commercial facilities. Rising population and economic 

 growth create high demand for real estate in suburban 



localities. Northern New Jersey is greatly affected by 

 neighboring New York City and thus serves as a good 

 example of the urban impacts on wetlands. 



The proximity of northern New Jersey to New York 

 City has hastened development of its natural resources for 

 urban and industrial uses. As suitable upland becomes 

 exhausted, pressure intensifies to develop wetlands for 

 residential housing, manufacturing plants, business of- 

 fice complexes and similar uses. In many communities, 

 inland wetlands represent the last large parcels of open 

 space. They often are also the final haven for wildlife in 

 an increasing urban environment. Animal diversity is 

 generally greater in inland wetlands than in other inland 

 areas. 



With accelerating development of adjacent uplands, 

 the role of inland wetlands in flood protection and water 

 quality maintenance becomes critical. Urban and indus- 

 trial development increases the amount of surface water 

 runoff from the land after rainfalls. This raises flood 

 heights and increases flow rates of the rivers, thereby 

 increasing the risks of flood damages. In the Passaic 

 River watershed, annual property losses to flooding ap- 

 proached $50 million in 1978 (U.S. Army Corps of Engi- 

 neers 1979). Increased runoff brings with it various \ 

 substances that degrade water quality, such as fertilizer ^ 

 chemicals, grease and oil. road salt, and sediment. Efflu- 

 ent from some sewage treatment plants built to handle the 

 needs of growing communities also reduces water qual- 

 ity. By passing through wetlands, a type of cleansing 

 action takes place as many pollutants are removed from 

 the water and retained or utilized by the wetlands. 



Inland wetlands in certain instances function as re- 

 charge areas. This is especially true in communities 

 where groundwater withdrawals are heavy. Thus, inland 

 wetlands may be essential to preserving public water sup- 

 plies. This value is particularly important considering 

 recent severe water shortages in northern New Jersey. 



Inland wetlands of northern New Jersey are vulnerable 



