Re: E-M:/ bill to protect small wetlands (from the mackinac center'sattacks)

[Barbara Jean Madsen <bjmadsen@umich.edu>]

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Enviro-Mich message from Barbara Jean Madsen <bjmadsen@umich.edu>
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chuck,

In addition, such small (and sometimes ephemeral, or seasonally-wet)
wetlands are essential to animals like amphibians.  Many species of
amphibians, reptiles, and even insects use these small areas at crucial
parts of their life-cycle, like breeding or overwintering.  Often, these
animals need a network of small wetlands with natural upland habitats in
between, so it isn't sufficient to save one or two wetlands separated by
roads, houses, or other developments.

	--Barb Madsen


On Fri, 25 Apr 2003 Cubbagec@aol.com wrote:

> Dave,
> I was privileged to be involved with some U-M Dearborn and Wayne County
> Community College students in conducting a wetland survey for Milford Twp
> about 20 years ago.  The Twp was interested in protecting them and from our
> survey work, we found that 50% of the wetlands in the twp were < 1/4 acre.
> While the unique or rare wetland is worth protecting, it is the
> average/ordinary wetlands that provide the ecological functions that make
> them worthwhile.  I'm pleased that Milford Twp saw the value in that.  Let's
> hope there is more statewide protection!
> Regards,
> Chuck
>




==============================================================
ENVIRO-MICH:  Internet List and Forum for Michigan Environmental
and Conservation Issues and Michigan-based Citizen Action.   Archives at
http://www.great-lakes.net/lists/enviro-mich/

Postings to:  enviro-mich@great-lakes.net      For info, send email to
majordomo@great-lakes.net  with a one-line message body of  "info enviro-mich"
==============================================================