Wetlands provide many vital ecological and socioeconomic values and functions. In New Jersey the decline of many fish populations can be closely tied to the decline and degradation of wetlands and riparian vegetation. As wetlands are lost upstream, erosion, flooding, and sedimentation of lakes and rivers increases downstream. Furthermore, the decrease in wetlands has affected waterfowl and other wildlife populations dependent on wetlands. Decreasing populations of waterfowl, fish, and shellfish are a few of the impacts caused by wetlands losses.
Wetlands are an integral part of our economy.
Wetlands save millions in annual flood, erosion, and storm damage by temporarily storing flood waters and slowing water velocities. The wetlands and aquifer of South Brunswick are unique resources. They are the most extensive in the state of New Jersey. However, they are rapidly being drained, macadamed, polluted, built upon and degraded in every possible way. Township residents have to become aware of what these resources mean to us and what we are losing.