Simple Conservation Activities (continued)

Use Silt Fencing in All Construction Projects. Any construction activity at a higher elevation than the wetland can lead to erosion of the exposed soil into the wetland. Use properly installed and maintained silt fencing below areas with bare soil to protect your wetland from silt and sediment. Inspect the fencing after each rainfall to make sure it is trapping silt, and have it reinstalled if necessary. Keep the fencing in place until vegetation is restored, but remove it after it is no longer needed, as the fence can block the movement of small animals in and out of the wetland.

Control Sources of Chemical Pollution. Agricultural activities, yard maintenance, septic systems, and storm drains can divert excess nutrients and undesirable substances into wetlands. Because wetlands, streams, rivers, and lakes are "downhill" from most inhabited areas, they can act as a "sink" for many chemicals that are transported in water. Look to reduce chemical use in and near your wetland, including the adjoining yard, garden, and agricultural fields. Talk with neighbors about their use of fertilizers and pesticides to minimize impacts on your wetland. Maintain your septic system so it functions properly.

Control Sources of Excess Water Entering the Wetland. Drain pipes, culverts, and ditches are intended to drain upland sites of excess water. They often empty into wetlands, inundating important lowland communities. Although wetlands are water-dependent, excessive water can damage the integrity of a wetland. For example, excess water in urban areas may flood a sedge meadow causing native plants to be replaced by non-natives or by cattails. Upland runoff may carry large amounts of nutrients like manure or commercial fertilizer, petroleum products, salt, or other compounds (e.g., pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, etc.). These pollutants may stress and even kill sensitive wetland plants and animals. If possible, divert runoff to other areas or spread the water evenly over the landscape so that it slowly filters into the wetland. As an alternative, excess stormwater can be diverted into a buffer zone to slow its velocity and allow sediment and nutrients to settle before the water drains into your wetland.

Control Water Outlets. Many wetlands have historically been drained through ditching, dredging, and underground drain tiles. Look for signs of past drainage attempts such as a ditch, an outflow conduit or pipe. All that may be required to restore the hydrology of your wetland is to plug a ditch or drain conduit. However, undoing drainage systems on your wetland may be a complicated endeavor.

Use Heavy Equipment for Logging or Other Activities Only During the Winter. Avoid logging or taking heavy equipment into your wetland until the ground is frozen to avoid damaging the soil surface and plant community. Construction matting may help alleviate compacting the soil. Carefully consider the impacts before cutting trees in swamp forests. Forested wetlands were severely degraded by logging in the late 1800s to early 1900s, and in some parts of the state the open wetlands that resulted have not yet recovered. County zoning ordinances may regulate removal of trees and vegetation in shoreland zones.

Long-term Protection Options for Landowners
A well-restored wetland should last forever, therefore long-term security of your wetland should be considered. A variety of long-term protection options are described below and can include donation of your land to a private or public agency, conservation easements, or deed restrictions that follow the land in perpetuity. The time, energy, and expense of restoring your wetland can be for naught if the next landowner does not care for the site or if it is not permanently protected.