Protection of subsurface water resources and provision of valuable watersheds and recharging ground water supplies. Pollution treatment by serving as a biological and chemical oxidation basin. Erosion control by serving as a sedimentation area and filtering basin, absorbing silt and organic matter. Sources of nutrients in water food cycles and nursery grounds and sanctuaries for fish. These benefits, often referred to as wetland functions and values, often play a vital role in recreation, tourism, and the economy in Michigan.
Wetlands are transitional areas where land and water meet.
Whether water is slightly above or below the surface of the land, the single controlling feature that makes the difference when identifying whether or not an area is a wetland is the presence of water. Land does not have to be wet all of the time in order to be defined as a wetland. In some cases, it will not be immediately obvious that a wetland exists. The presence of water will, however, cause a number of physical, chemical and biological characteristics to develop. These characteristics can be used to identify and locate wetlands.