Lack of rain could pose a threat to wetlands

SOUTH AMHERST, Mass. (WWLP) - Aside from a continuous cycle of water and fish, wetlands recharge groundwater reservoirs, purify water and waste treatment, and protect properties from flooding. Its economic incentives are valued at $14 trillion.

But a wetland's environmental advantages are what drive Ralph Tiner’s research.  

His work in identifying wetlands across the country was recently acknowledged for furthering wetland science.  In his role as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife’s wetland coordinator, he identifies a host of gainful functions specific to wetlands; the kidneys of the landscape.

“They help purify water, so as water moves slowly through the wetland various sediments and other materials that are attached to the particular matter get absorbed by the wetland,” said Tiner in South Amherst Monday afternoon of the cycle that mirrors that of a kidney filtering blood.

Inland wetlands account for 95% of wetlands in the country. 10% of Massachusetts is made up of marshes that have been protected by government agencies since the 1960s; when the Bay State espoused the first wetland protection law.  

The lack of rainfall is raising concern for ecologists looking to preserve the lands that have been historically threatened.  So far in 2012, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration averages daily rainfall totals in the state to be less than a tenth of an inch; continuing the moderate drought spell.

Tiner says the tame winter and early spring has affected migratory birds, critters and amphibians, that rely on vernal pools as breeding grounds.

“Species that would normally be in jeopardy by cold weather freeze and so on they were able to survive. In terms of the dry spring, that's created problems for spring breeding amphibians,” said Tiner who believes May’s recent rainfall is promising.

Scott Jackson is an associate professor of environmental conservation at UMass Amherst. He told 22News variability supports species by controlling the high and low of a specific population, but early springs becoming trends could threaten wildlife.

“If we actually see a change in the tendency of the wetlands to actually be earlier or wetter or drier then that becomes more of a concern. To the extent that this year may foretell what we have more of in the future is concerning,” said Jackson.

May is American Wetlands Month .  

To learn more about wetland species that are under threat click here.