The creek opens to pools 7 and 8 on the refuge, upstream from the diked channel. Lake Erie seiches produce frequent water level changes in the area. Waters within the estuary and creek channel were turbid throughout the study period and limited visibility at all times. No emergent or floating aquatic vegetation was noted within the estuary or in the Crane Creek channel from May to September. A limited amount of submerged vegetation, Potamogeton sp., was observed within one area of the estuary.
Vegetation is important to wetland structure and is an important habitat characteristic for fish.
It provides spawning substrate and feeding areas for adults, and nursery areas and protection from predators for juveniles. It also anchors sediment and stabilizes waves, decreasing siltation and erosion in times of high wind. The physical activity of carp has been considered a perpetrator of wetland degradation as their feeding and spawning uproot vegetation and keep sediment suspended in the water column. Carp were easily noted moving within the Crane Creek estuary from May to September by dark clouded trails of silted water. Suspended sediments, which discourage plant growth, are also caused by agricultural and watershed runoff, as well as wave action and soil properties.