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Water
Resources
It is the mighty river that roars forcefully; the babbling brook
that murmurs it's lullaby; the aquatic life below the surface that
we strive to protect, preserve and manage; because without it life
could not endure. |
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Wetlands in the National Parks
The National
Park Service manages more than
16 million acres of wetlands, and
is therefore a key participant
in the preservation, restoration,
and management of wetland habitats
across the United States. Common
types of wetlands include swamps,
bogs, marshes, mudflats, shallow
ponds, wet meadows, and similar
areas. These highly productive,
biologically diverse systems provide
fish and wildlife habitat, erosion
control, stream flow maintenance,
water quality enhancement, recreational
opportunities, and many other important
functions. They are also known
to harbor at least 35% of the federally
listed threatened and endangered
plant and animal species. However,
wetlands are a threatened resource;
fewer than half of the wetlands
that existed in the lower 48 states
at the time of European settlement
still remain. Although many wetlands
in National Park System units are
in essentially pristine condition,
others have been damaged by drainage,
pollution, diking, filling, and
related activities.
more
Water
Resources
Water
is a major factor in shaping
our landscape. Through the
processes of erosion and
sediment transport, water
forms many surface features
such as valleys, flood plains,
deltas, and beaches. Water
also forms subsurface features
such as caves. Natural wonders
such as the Grand Canyon
were, and are being, carved
by water. (Water and the
Environment, AGI Environmental
Awareness Series)
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"Water
is the driving force of all nature."
- Leonardo
Da Vinci
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DID YOU KNOW?
Over 20% of Acadia National Park is classified as wetland.
All classes of wetlands (marine aquatic beds, intertidal
shellfish flat, salt marshes, freshwater marshes, forested
wetlands, and peatlands) are found within the park. They
form the transition between terrestrial and aquatic environments,
and contribute significantly to the health, productivity,
and uniqueness of the region.
more
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