Agenda - Environmental Policy Board - 02/05/2007

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Exhibit 1 Wetlands & Wetland Buffers Do's & Don'ts Guidelines for Private and Public Landowners Wetland habitats are integrally connected to the health and ecology of our environment. Wetlands also help improve water quality. Protection of wetland habitat is critical. Proper management, however, depends not only on maintaining the integrity of the wetland but also on controlling activities in the wetland buffer around it. These management issues can be considered in four broad categories. Maintain a healthv. vegetated wetland buffer WHY? Vegetation in the wetland buffer is the key to many different aspects of water quality and wetland ecology. A diversity of plant types and species will provide food, cover, habitat and corridors for wildlife. Plant stems and foliage retard storm waters and help prevent flooding while root systems prevent erosion and help to filter out contaminants from groundwater. DO . Establish a vegetated wetland buffer using native plant species. . Use a variety of tree, shrub, and herbaceous species. High plant diversity supports more wildlife and provides stability if some plants don't survive. Choose species tolerant of anticipated flooding and soil moisture conditions. DON'T . Clear out established vegetation just to improve your view. . Disturb any form of plant or animal life: birds, nests or eggs, plants, mammals, fish, mollusks, crustaceans, or amphibians. . Dump yard waste such as leaves, grass, etc, or other waste products because it kills vegetation and prevents plants from reestablishing. . Dump dirt or other fill within the wetland buffer area. . Build within the wetland buffer area. Control water flow through the wetland buffer WHY? Rain water and snowmelt flow by overland and subsurface pathways, from uplands through the wetland buffer area into the wetland. When channeled, overland flow is rapid and erosive with little time for contaminants to be removed. In contrast, sheet flow and subsurface flow move slowly and contact more substances where filtering can occur. DO . Control storm water runoff from dwellings. Direct runoff to grassy areas. Shape or grade ground surfaces to prevent channeled flow into the wetland buffer zone. If necessary, use structures to convert channeled flow into sheet flow. . Minimize impervious areas near the buffer. Use stone or brick instead of pavement for driveways and walkways. . Install gravel trenches along driveways or patios to collect water and allow it to filter into the ground. . Cover exposed soil with mulch or establish a ground cover to prevent erosion.