Technical guidance provided by Resource Data, Inc. and Applied Ecological Services, Inc.aided in the identification and ranking of potential restoration sites. Once identified restoration sites were prioritized with regard to their restoration potential. The historic and current human activities in the mountains of North Carolina have severely impacted and degraded the wetland communities of this region. Mountain wetlands have been subject to draining, impoundment, and clearing.
Few examples exist in general and even fewer are in pristine condition.
Mountain wetlands are unique ecological communities that provide habitat for many rare and endangered species including the bog turtle and various species of pitcher plants. Identifying mountain wetlands is the first step in protecting and restoring the ecological and environmental value of these areas. Value of Wetlands Wetlands represent a dwindling and historically misunderstood ecosystem type that provides a multitude of benefits. Wetlands play a valuable role in protecting vulnerable water resources, and they aid in the regulation of water movement throughout a system. Historically, these systems have also provided a source of extractable resources such as lumber and edible fruits.