Black bear, deer, and other large mammals often feed on wetland plants. Beavers and muskrats make their homes in ponds and streams, while weasels and otters find their food in marshes. Wetlands provide habitat for many rare and endangered species such as the wood turtle, piping plover, blue-spotted salamander, and the Plymouth gentian flower. In addition to health and safety benefits, wetlands offer natural beauty and recreational opportunities. These resource areas are available to everyone who enjoys the outdoors, such as hikers, hunters, sport fishermen, artists, and bird watchers.
Wetlands also contribute to tourism and offer educational opportunities for adults and children.
For many landowners and communities, wetlands represent open space - a valuable resource in urban and suburban landscapes. Since Colonial times, Massachusetts has lost nearly one third of its wetlands. The loss of wetlands means the loss of the important benefits they provide. Where wetlands once stored stormwater, homes downstream are now more vulnerable to flooding. Where wetlands once provided a critical line of defense from coastal storms, private and public property are now exposed to the full force of the ocean.