Protecting your Wetlands

What are wetlands?

The collective term "wetlands" describes several kinds of land on which water plays a crucial role. Wetlands are covered by shallow water or have soils waterlogged to the surface for part of the year, have soils indicative of wet conditions, and contain plants that are specially adapted to wet conditions. However, the areas most of us think of when we hear "wetland"—marshes, swamps, and bogs—represent only a small fraction of the wetland acreage in North Carolina (see Table 1). Wetlands are found in wide flat areas, in depressions on the landscape, and between water and dry land along the edges of streams, rivers, lakes, and estuaries.

About 5.7 million acres of North Carolina—17 percent—are wetlands. Although the coastal plain contains 95 percent of the state's wetlands, they can be found in every county. With wetlands occurring from the coast to the mountains, North Carolina has a great diversity of wetland types (see Table 1). The state has lost about 50 percent of its original wetlands. They have been drained and converted primarily to farmland, but also filled for housing, industrial facilities, and roads and used for waste disposal. Our economic well-being and quality of life depend on our nation's wealth of natural resources, and wetlands form a vital link between land and water.

The fate of wetlands is a controversial public policy issue. At the heart of the debate are concerns about environmental protection of natural areas, private property rights, and the public benefits of land development. Because wetlands are now protected by state and federal laws, much of the controversy surrounding them has focused on the definition and identification of wetlands for regulatory purposes. Because wetlands commonly occur in transition zones between well-drained uplands and aquatic habitats, establishing wetland boundaries that satisfy both ecologists and developers is difficult.

Wetland hydrology may not always be obvious. Some wetlands are wet for only short periods (two to three weeks) each year. Some plants can grow in both upland and wetland habitats. However, as more wetlands are lost, those remaining become more valuable, and it is increasingly more important to be able to identify wetlands accurately in order to ensure they are protected adequately.

With the help of wetland scientists, federal agencies define wetlands as lands having all three of the following attributes:

• Under normal circumstances, most of the vegetation that grows on the land is adapted to saturated soil.
• The soil is inundated or saturated by surface water or groundwater at some time during every growing season.
• The soils are typical of the saturated or flooded conditions that wetland vegetation requires.

Table 1. Wetlands of North Carolina

Why should you care about wetlands on your property?

North Carolina has an abundant supply of clean water, a resource vital to our high quality of life. Rivers, streams, lakes, groundwater aquifers, and coastal estuaries are crucial to public health, economic development, and recreation. However, our water quality is threatened constantly by such activities as unwise development, improperly managed agricultural and industrial activities, and unsound waste disposal.

Wetlands play a crucial role in protecting our water sources and affect how water moves through the state's streams. Wetlands remove agricultural chemicals and nutrients and trap sediment from water moving through them. They store rainwater temporarily, moderating the effects of floods and droughts. They stabilize shorelands and protect against erosion.

Wetlands constitute some of the most biologically productive and ecologically sensitive areas in the state. Collectively, they support hundreds of plant species; provide habitat for a variety of waterfowl and wildlife, including many rare or endangered species; are crucial for fish spawning; and provide habitat for fresh, brackish, and saltwater fish and shellfish. About 70 percent of the rare and endangered plants and animals in the state depend upon wetlands to survive.

Wetlands also offer opportunities for recreation, education, and research; provide open space; and have great aesthetic value. Wetlands also may be of historic, archaeological, or paleontological interest.

What laws and regulations contribute to wetland protection?

Increased awareness of the value of wetlands has resulted in a number of regulations and programs designed to protect wetlands and the benefits they provide. Information about programs and regulations affecting wetlands in North Carolina is available on the World Wide Web at http://www.ag-econ.ncsu.edu/faculty/feitshans/Publications.htm (look under "Water Quality Issues"). For additional information contact Theodore Feitshans (Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Campus Box 8109, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695; 919-515-5195).

How do wetlands contribute to safe drinking water?

If you drink water from a well or spring, the water comes from the ground. Most groundwater in North Carolina is safe to drink. However, if pollutants enter the groundwater, your well or spring water may not be safe. If you obtain your water from a shallow well, the condition of a nearby wetland could be of concern.

Many things we all do at our homes and farms can pollute the groundwater, such as excessive use of fertilizer and pesticide, and dumping oil and hazardous chemicals on the ground. If groundwater becomes polluted, it is nearly impossible to clean up. The only ways to get safe drinking water are to treat the existing water, drill a new deeper well, or get water from another source. All of these options are expensive and inconvenient.

The North Carolina Farm*A*Syst and Home*A*Syst programs distribute a series of publications that can help you keep your drinking water safe (see list at the end of this fact sheet). Using these publications, you can evaluate your farmstead/homestead to determine if your water could be polluted with harmful substances or is in danger of becoming polluted and can obtain information about how to solve problems or potential problems that you identify. The North Carolina state agencies responsible for helping you solve your drinking water problem also are listed.

The goal of the North Carolina Farm*A*Syst and Home*A*Syst programs is to help you protect groundwater and surface water, which North Carolina residents depend on for drinking water.

How can we help?

We have prepared this publication to help you assess the condition of your wetlands. First, read over the questions. Then walk around the areas near your wetlands and look at them closely. Gather any maps or records you have about your wetlands. If you have more than one wetland, focus on those nearest your well or that drain directly into nearby streams.

Each of the following sections deals with a different topic. Accompanying each topic is a question. Your answers will help you to see where you may have potential problems.

• If you answer a or b for all questions, you have few problems with your wetlands and should be able to sustain or improve them with minimal effort.
• If you answer c or d for any question, there may be potential problems with managing the quality of your wetlands, and you will want to consider making changes in order to protect your wetlands or will have to obtain the cooperation of your neighbors to maintain your wetlands.

If you would like further assistance in assessing the condition of your wetlands, talk with your Extension agent at your nearest Cooperative Extension Service Center.

Wetland Surroundings

1. Do you have wetlands on your property?

When people hear the term wetland, most think of a swamp (wooded wetlands that are flooded or saturated periodically) or a marsh (grassy wetlands with standing or slow-moving water). However, not all wetlands have standing water. Areas that are wet at one time of the year may look dry at other times. Some wetlands are waterlogged for short periods each year. Table 1 (see above) shows the range of wetland types in North Carolina.

Table 2. How to identify possible wetlands.

	Yes	No
The ground is often soggy underfoot.
There are depressions where water pools during wet periods.
There are areas I avoid with heavy equipment because I know I will get stuck.
I have thought about ditching these areas to dry them out.
The depressions have different vegetation than the kind growing on the higher ground.
There are seeps or springs on my property.
When I dig a hole, the soil is gray or has red or orange splotches against a gray background.
There are signs of crop stress related to excess moisture in areas where I farm.
The NRCS County Soil Survey show soils on my property as being hydric, poorly drained, or very poorly drained.
The National Wetland Inventory map (go to http://www.nwi.fws.gov/wetlands_interactive_mapper_tool.htm), U.S. Geological Survey topographic map, or local wetland inventory map shows a wetland on my property.
(Adapted from Cwikiel, 1996.)

1. Do you have a wetland on your property?

Table 2 lists some questions to answer about areas on your property that you think might be wetlands. A single "yes" answer may indicate you have one of these less obvious wetlands on your property. Consult your local NRCS or county Extension Center for additional information. If any of your "yes" answers corresponds with the area where your septic field is located, have your system checked for proper functioning.

2. Where are your wetlands?

A wetland is part of a watershed or drainage basin. A watershed is the geographic area that drains to a single water body such as a stream. Understanding what lands drain to your wetland is important in evaluating its health. Walking the area around your wetland can help you determine if the watershed that drains into your wetland extends beyond your property. Ask permission before entering neighboring properties. Your ability to successfully maintain and protect your wetland will depend on your being able to manage what goes on around it.

2. Circle the answer that best describes where your wetland is.

a. All or most of the area draining to my wetland is on my land; areas not on my property are well taken care of.

b. Much of the area draining to my wetland is off my land, but it is well taken care of.

c. Much of the area draining to my wetland is off my property and is poorly taken care of. 

d. Most of the area draining to my wetland is off my property and is not taken care of, OR do not know.

3. What is upslope from your wetland?

Runoff is an important source of the water that maintains a wetland. However, stormwater runoff can carry pollutants such as fecal bacteria, oil, sediment, fertilizer, and pesticides. A wetland that is located downhill from a pollutant source, such as a livestock yard, a leaking gasoline tank, or a failing septic system, is more likely to become contaminated than a wetland that is isolated from such sources of pollution.

3. Circle the answer that best describes the location of your wetland with respect to pollutants.

a. It is isolated from all pollution sources. Surface water entering the wetland flows along grass-lined swales and/or through a vegetated buffer strip.

b. It is isolated from most pollution sources. Surface water entering the wetland flows through a vegetated buffer strip under normal drainage conditions.

c. It is downhill from many pollution sources or from an especially hazardous source; or runoff flows over bare soil for some distance before reaching the wetland.

d. It receives surface water runoff from a feedlot, pesticide or fertilizer mixing area, fuel storage area, or farm dump, OR do not know.

4. How well does water move through your soil?

Soil can filter pollutants picked up by stormwater runoff as it travels toward wetlands. The ability of soil to filter pollutants from water is influenced by soil type. Sandier soils have higher infiltration rates and less runoff and are often more effective in reducing the amount of sediment and pollutants reaching wetlands. Clayey soils have lower infiltration rates and higher rates of runoff, potentially increasing the amount of sediment and pollutants reaching a wetland. Your county soil survey can help you identify the texture of soils on your property.

4. Circle the answer that best describes what kind of soil is in your wetland.

a. Coarse-textured soils (sand, sandy loam).

b. Medium (silt loam, loam) or coarse-textured soils.

c. Medium-textured soils with some compaction.

d. Fine-textured soils (clay loam, silty clay), OR do not know.

Wetland Health

5. How much diversity do you observe in the plants and animals in your wetland?

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world. A functioning wetland will support a diversity of plants and animals. Large wetlands with a variety of water depths and wetlands with flowing water support more plants and animals. However, even wetlands that are wet for only part of the year may be very important. They provide habitat for wildlife, especially birds and amphibians, and may play a critical role in maintaining populations of rare plants. Good stewardship practices include maintaining buffers around your wetland, controlling runoff, restricting off-road vehicles and livestock from wetlands, and not using wetlands for dumps. Farmers can reduce erosion and sedimentation by 20 to 90 percent by taking steps to control the volume and flow rate of runoff, keep the soil in place, and reduce soil transport.

5. Circle the answer that best describes what kinds of plants and wildlife you observe in your wetlands.

a. My wetland is a great place to look for birds and other wildlife and contain a great variety of plants. Areas wet for only part of the year have lots of biological activity when they are wet.

b. I can see birds and find signs of other wildlife most of the time, and there are several kinds of grassy plants, flowering plants, or shrubs.

c. I usually can find a few blackbirds in the summer; vegetation is dominated by a limited number of species.

d. Wildlife is scarce, and vegetation seems to be all the same type of plant or is sparse, OR do not know.

6. How good is the water quality in your wetland?

Lawn and crop fertilizers, sewage, manure, and detergents all contain nitrogen and phosphorus, the nutrients most often responsible for water quality degradation. Nutrients are essential building blocks for healthy communities, but excess nitrogen and phosphorus contribute to nonpoint source pollution and stimulate the growth of aquatic weeds and algae. Excessive growth of these organisms can lead to oxygen depletion. Sedimentation occurs when wind or water runoff carries soil particles from an area like a farm field and transports them to a water body, such as a stream or lake. Excessive sedimentation clouds the water, which reduces the amount of sunlight reaching aquatic plants, covers fish spawning areas and food supplies, and clogs the gills of fish. Because phosphorus, pathogens, and heavy metals are often attached to soil particles, these pollutants are deposited in water bodies along with the sediment.

6. Circle the answer that best describes what the water in your wetland looks like.

a. The water is clear (colorless or tea-colored) all summer long. Floating green plants may cover part of the surface, but they don't dominate. Insects, amphibians, and other water-loving animals are plentiful.

b. The water is clear (colorless or tea-colored) most of the year; water-loving animals are easy to find. Occasionally, during hot spells or after intense storms, the water may be murky for a few days.

c. Sediment washes into the wetland whenever it rains, and the water is murky for several days afterwards; the water looks soupy with green algae during hot spells each summer.

d. The water appears murky much of the time, and there is evidence of sediment deposition around the edges of the wetland. Water is soupy and stinky much of the summer. There is limited evidence of water-loving animals and wildlife, OR do not know.

7. Do you maintain buffers along the edges of your wetlands?

One of the most effective ways to protect a wetland is to establish and maintain a vegetative buffer around it. Buffers are an important tool in our efforts to reduce nonpoint source pollution. The type of wetland you have will determine the type of buffer you will want to maintain. Buffers planted to a grass/legume mixture or maintained in natural vegetation such as trees and woodland plants will help control soil erosion, remove sediment, remove nutrients and pollutants, increase infiltration, reduce water temperatures, and create a barrier to nuisance and exotic species. Grassed buffers can provide space to turn equipment or serve as a roadway along the edge of the field. Grass and legume borders also provide cover for ground-nesting birds such as meadowlarks and quail. Wetlands with open water will benefit most from a grass and woody plant buffer. Flats and shrubby or wooded wetlands (see Table 1) likely need only a good grass buffer. Planting areas that are not to be cropped as buffers is a good management practice. Buffers sometimes can be used to link wetlands, providing connecting corridors wildlife can use to move safely from one habitat to another. Such conservation buffers are visible signs to others that farmers are willing to share responsibility for environmental improvement.

Figure 1. Recommended buffers for pastureland and cropland. Buffers reduce nonpoint source pollution by intercepting sediment, nutrients, pesticides, and other materials in surface runoff and by reducing nutrients and other pollutants in shallow subsurface water flow. Woody vegetation in buffers provides food and cover for wildlife and slows out-of-bank flood flows. Grasses intercept sediment and take up nutrients that otherwise would wind up in the stream. (Source: Riparian Forest Buffer, Conservation Practice Job Sheet #391. 1997. USDA-NRCS. http://www.fb-net.org/CRP/cp391JS.htm)

7. Circle the answer that best describes what kind of buffers are adjacent to your wetland.

a. Any wetland with standing water year around is protected by a two-zoned buffer system wide enough to handle all runoff. Forested areas are next to the wetland, and grassy areas are away from the wetland (see Figure 1). Flats or shrubby/wooded wetlands are protected by a grass buffer.

b. Any wetland that discharges into a stream has an adequate buffer system; other wetlands are isolated from streams and lakes, although they may overflow into a nearby stream or lake during strong storms.

c. Buffers may be present but are too narrow to prevent runoff from flowing directly into the wetland.

d. There are no buffers. Crops or lawn grasses are planted as far into the wetland as conditions allow, OR do not know.

8. Is your septic system functioning adequately?

Septic systems are a potential source of pollutants to wetlands. Be sure your system is operating properly. If you can smell sewage during rainy periods, or if the area over your drain field is squishy, especially during dry periods, then your system needs attention.

8. Circle the answer that best describes how you dispose of wastewater, and what the condition your septic system is in.

a. All wastewater from toilets, sinks, showers, and laundry facilities is directed into a septic system that meets current standards.

b. All wastewater is directed to a septic system that doesn't meet current standards but seems to be working okay and is well maintained.

c. "Gray water" (from the sink, laundry, or shower) goes into a separate pipe that discharges into a wetland, or the system shows signs of needing attention (for example, sewage smells, squishy soil over the drain field) and is close to my wetlands.

d. All wastewater is discharged into a wetland, OR do not know.

9. How do you manage livestock near your wetlands?

Livestock should not have free access to wetlands and other surface water. Besides the obvious problems caused by animal waste being added directly to water, animal traffic causes soil disturbance that increases the sediment supply. Alternative clean water sources benefit animal health and water quality. Areas where animals congregate should be located so runoff passes through vegetated filter strips before entering the wetland.

9. Circle the answer that best describes how you manage livestock near your wetland.

a. Animals are excluded from wetlands and water bodies.

b. Animals occasionally graze and loaf in wetlands once or twice per year for short periods.

c. Animals do not have access to wetlands for grazing and loafing all year, but spend significant time in the area.

d. Animals are allowed to graze and loaf in wetlands throughout the year, OR do not know.

Develop a Wetland Management Strategy

After you have completed this evaluation, prepare a plan that will enable you to protect or improve the health of your wetland and provide you with personal enjoyment. Your strategy will depend on your goals, the type of wetland you are trying to protect, and the location of your wetland.

Here are some resource management practices you can adopt to achieve different wetland management goals:

The North Carolina Wetlands Restoration Program and the landowner

The North Carolina Wetlands Restoration Program (NCWRP) is an innovative, nonregulatory program that was established by the N.C. General Assembly in 1996 to restore wetlands, streams, and streamside (riparian) areas throughout the state. Benefits and procedures are described below. Information and participation forms are available from http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/wrp/index.htm or call (919) 733-5208 ext. 250.

Landowner benefits:

• NCWRP may pay up to 100 percent of the costs of restoration.

• NCWRP can acquire property by a fee simple purchase, by donation (for tax credits), or through purchase of a permanent conservation easement.
• Acquired property is protected in perpetuity.

Participation with NCWRP:

• There is no specific signup period for participation in NCWRP.
• Interested landowners may request, complete, and return an NCWRP Participation Interest Form (http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/wrp/files/Interestform.htm). This form will provide NCWRP with basic information about the location and characteristics of the site.
• Based on the information provided on the form, NCWRP will determine if a site potentially qualifies and is consistent with the Basinwide Wetlands and Riparian Restoration Plans.
• For potentially qualifying sites, NCWRP staff may schedule an appointment with the landowner to visit and evaluate the restoration potential of the site.

Contacts and References

Sources of Information about Soils, Wetlands, and Wells

North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources Customer Service Center:
(877) 623-6748 or (877) 623-6748 (toll-free)

U.S. Department of Agriculture Service Centers:
http://offices.usda.gov/scripts/ndISAPI.dll/oip_public/USA_map (click on North Carolina)
North Carolina USDA State Office, 4405 Bland Road, Suite 205, Raleigh, NC 27609, (919) 873-2100

Farm Service Agency:
http://www.fsa.usda.gov/nc/ (click on "County Offices")
Farm Service Agency State Office, 4407 Bland Road, Suite 175, Raleigh, NC 27609, (919) 875-4800

NRCS offices:
http://www.nc.nrcs.usda.gov/Directory/Directory.htm 
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, 4405 Bland Road, Suite 205, Raleigh, NC 27609, (919) 873-2100

North Carolina Division of Soil & Water:
http://www.enr.state.nc.us/DSWC/files/dos.htm 
Soil and Water Conservation, 1614 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1614; Street Address: 512 North Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27604-1148; (919) 733-2302

Drinking Water Quality Standard and Health Advisories:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Safe Drinking Water Hotline (8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Eastern time) (800) 426-4791

United States Geological Survey Data (topographic maps):
http://www.geology.enr.state.nc.us/ 
North Carolina Department of Envi ronment, Health and Natural Resources (NCDENR) Division of Land Resources, North Carolina Geological Survey, 1612 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1612; Phone: (919) 733-2423 Fax: (919) 733-0900

National Wetlands Inventory maps:
On-line Interactive Mapper Tool: http://www.nwi.fws.gov/wetlands_interactive_mapper_tool.htm
Paper maps: Soil and Water Conservation, 1614 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-1614; Phone: (919) 733-2302 Fax: (919) 715-3559

NRCS Hydric Soil Series Lists by State:
http://www.statlab.iastate.edu/soils/hydric/state.html 
See "NRCS offices" above for telephone and address of the state office.

County Soil Surveys:
Some N.C. county soil surveys are on the web: http://www.mo14.nc.nrcs.usda.gov/ssurveys.htm 
For others go to: http://www.enr.state.nc.us/DSWC/files/dos.htm 
Or contact: State Soil Scientist, 4405 Bland Road, Suite 205, Raleigh, NC 27609-6293; Phone: (919) 873-2171 or (919) 873-2141

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Permits and Wetland Regulations:
http://www.saw.usace.army.mil/wetlands/regtour.htm 
P.O. Box 1890, Wilmington, NC 28402-1890, (910) 251-4511

Non-native Invasive Plants:
National Biological Information Infrastructure http://www.nbii.gov/invasive/index.html 

Health Risks:
http://www.schs.state.nc.us/epi/medeval.html 
Medical Evaluation and Risk Assessment, Occupational and Environmental Epidemiology, Dept. of Health and Human Services, P.O. Box 29601, Raleigh, NC 27626-0601; Phone: (919) 733-3410

Related Cooperative Extension Service publications

• Soil Facts: Wetland Effects on Surface Water Quality AG-439-34
• Soil Facts: Wetland Issues AG-439-26
• Soil Facts: Agriculture and Coastal Water Quality AG-439-10
• Soil Facts: Best Management Practices for Agricultural Nutrients AG-439-20
• Soil Facts: Good Soil Management Helps Protect Groundwater AG-439-9
• Health Effects of Drinking Water Contamination FCS-393
• Home Drinking Water Treatment Systems FCS-419/WQWM-136
• Nitrate in Drinking Water AG-473-4/WQWM-5
• Protecting Water Supply Springs AG-473-15/WQWM-73
• Questions to Ask When Purchasing Water Treatment Equipment AG-473-3/WQWM-7
• Should You Have Your Water Tested? AG-473-2/WQWM-3
• Your Water Supply: Well Construction and Protection AG-469/WQWM-10
• Diseases Carried by Drinking Water WQWM-145
• Groundwater in the Piedmont and Blue Ridge Provinces of North Carolina AG-473-6/WQWM-6
• Groundwater in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina AG-450
• Radon in Water FCS-396/WQWM-13
• Metals in Drinking Water AG-473-1/WQWM-6
• Lead in Drinking Water FCS-395/WQWM-8
• Volatile Organic Chemicals (VOCs) in Drinking Water AG-473-5/WQWM-16
• About Wells: What You Need to Know WQWM-119

These publications are available at your county Cooperative Extension Service Center. You may also order these publications from Communication Services, Campus Box 7603, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695-7603. (919) 513-3112.

To Find Your State Division of Water Quality Location

• ¹Interchange Building, 59 Woodfin Place, Asheville, NC 28801; 828-251-6208

• ²505 Waughtown St., Winston-Salem, NC 27107; 336-896-7007
• ³3800 Barrett Drive, Suite 101, Raleigh, NC 27609; 919-571-4700
• ⁴1424 Carolina Avenue, Washington, NC 27889; 252-946-6481
• ⁵919 North Main Street, Mooresville, NC 28115; 704-663-1699
• ⁶Wachovia Building, Suite 714, Fayetteville, NC 28301; 910-486-1541
• ⁷127 Cardinal Drive Extension, Wilmington, NC 28405-3845; 910-395-3900

College of Agriculture & Life Sciences . NC State University
School of Agriculture . NC A&T State University

Prepared by

C. William Zanner
Soil Science Extension Associate

Janet Young
Layout and Design Specialist

The concept for these materials was adapted from materials produced by the National Farm*A*Syst Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI.

North Carolina's Farm*A*Syst and Home*A*Syst Program is coordinated by Deanna L. Osmond, North Carolina State University. Technical editing was provided by Judith A. Gale. Michael J. Vepraskas, Stephen W. Broome, and Robert O. Evans were the technical reviewers at North Carolina State University.

This project has been funded with Section 319 grant monies from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency through the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality.

Published by

NORTH CAROLINA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE

Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.

AG-566-11
E00-38863

This document was updated on 9/13/00 by Janet Young.