IFAS WEC-45, The Vital Link between Land and Water: The Importance of Uplands for Protecting Wetland Functions

IFAS# WEC-45

The Vital Link between Land and Water:
The Importance of Uplands for Protecting Wetland Functions

Amy K. Taylor, Patricia Sprott and Frank J. Mazzotti

Opening Paragraph:
Wetlands are valuable natural resources that provide many benefits to people and the environment. Their importance can be described in terms of the functions they perform, including flood control, water quality enhancement, water supply, wildlife habitat, energy transfer (from plant to animal or from animal to animal, as in the food chain), and nutrient cycling (movement of chemicals--such as nitrogen or carbon or oxygen--through the system), as well as contributing much to Florida's natural beauty. The occurrence of both wetlands and uplands is dependent upon the local geography, topography, geology, hydrology, soil types, and frequency of fire. A wetland occurs in a low spot in the topography and is defined by and dependent upon the surrounding upland habitats. In recognition of their environmental and economic value, wetlands are legally protected at the local, regional, state, and national level. Unfortunately, the upland habitats bordering freshwater wetlands have not been provided protection to the same extent as wetlands.

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