– Establish and maintain a vegetative buffer or greenbelt—a strip of
upland surrounding the wetland that is maintained in a natural
vegetated state.
– In areas where livestock grazing occurs in wetlands or excessive human
use is degrading wetlands, erect fencing to minimize erosion, water
pollution, and sedimentation.
– Participate in local and government programs that help protect and
restore wetlands.
– Minimize the amount of storm water runoff that is generated beyond
background levels while considering how and where to convey the
storm water.
– Report illegal activity, such as filling, clearing, or dumping in wetlands,
to government authorities, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection
Agency or the Army Corps of Engineers.
– Keep surface areas that wash into storm drains clean of pet feces, toxic
chemicals, fertilizers, and motor oil, which eventually reach and impair
wetlands.
– Plant only native species of trees, shrubs, and flowers to preserve the
ecological balance of local wetlands.
– Use “living shoreline” techniques that make use of plant roots to
stabilize soil.
– Use phosphate-free laundry and dishwater detergents—phosphates
encourage algae growth which, when algae dies, depletes the oxygen
levels in the water.
– Use nontoxic products for household cleaning and lawn and garden care.
– Reduce, reuse, and recycle household items and waste.
– Ban the use of inorganic fertilizers and pesticides in areas that drain into
watersheds.
– Establish programs to deal with invasive species once they are
discovered.
– Decrease the amount of impervious hardscaping (asphalt roads, cement
sidewalks, etc.) and substitute porous materials.RIVERS AND STREAMS
Rivers and streams move continuously in one direction. Their nutrient content is