Wetlands

What is a Wetland?

Wetlands are areas where the land is wet either permanently or seasonally. The result is water-logged soils and the growth of water-loving and water-tolerant plants. Wetlands occur along the edges of lakes, rivers and streams and in areas where water pools for at least part of the year.

Wetlands are transition areas (“ecotones”) that are biologically diverse. They are areas where land and water come together to provide habitat for a large number of plants and animals. Some wetlands provide unique habitat for a variety of species that live nowhere else.

A Black spruce bog.

Four major types of wetlands are recognized in Ontario:

• marshes
• swamps
• fens
• bogs

Ontario is in a unique position globally with respect to wetland resources. The province's wetlands make up approximately one-quarter to one-third of Canada's wetlands and 6% of the world's wetlands. In Ontario, it is estimated that there are 24 million to 31 million hectares of wetlands, or 22-29% of the province. Most of these wetlands are found in northern Ontario. The Great Lakes are a globally significant ecosystem that supports many coastal wetland habitats, some with globally rare animals and vegetation communities.

Why are Wetlands Important?

Wetlands are an important part of Ontario's biodiversity. They provide a wide variety of important ecological benefits for both humans and wildlife. Some of the benefits are:

• reduce erosion
• decrease flood damage
• improve and maintain good water quality
• provide important fish and wildlife habitat
• ensure a stable, long-term supply of groundwater (by contributing to the recharge and discharge)
• provide recreation and tourism opportunities
• help to limit greenhouse gas emissions (by acting as carbon sinks)
• provide valuable economic products, such as timber, commercial baitfish, wild rice and natural medicines

How are Wetlands Protected?

Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)

Wetlands are recognized in Ontario and throughout the world as diverse and very productive natural areas. The protection of our wetlands has been strengthened by recent changes to provincial policies and legislation. For example the:

• Provincial Policy Statement, and the
• Changes to Regulations Governing Construction Activities Around Water (PDF).
   

Wetland conservation is included in regional land use plans at the landscape-scale, including the:

• Niagara Escarpment Plan, the
• Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan, and the
• Greenbelt Plan.
   

Wetland protection is not possible only with legislation. Governments and non-governmental organizations use a number of ways to promote wetland conservation, including:

• education and public outreach
• land acquisition
• land use planning
• stewardship incentive programs

For information on protecting wetlands in your area, please contact your local MNR office, Stewardship Coordinator or Conservation Authority.