What are some uses of wetlands?

[dheat]

I'm considering purchasing a 15-acre parcel in southeastern Georgia. 2 to 3 acres are wetlands.

What are some uses of wetlands? I haven't inspected the property yet (tomorrow perhaps). So I don't know exactly what to expect in terms of the amount of water. Nevertheless, I doubt there's significant standing water year-round.

Any ideas appreciated.

Thanks,

Doug

[Pink_Carnation]

In Washington the answer is simple....none. Some areas require there not be any livestock, or buildings within 100ft of them. Not all are that restrictive but as time goes by they will probably get more restrictive.

[EDDIE BUCK]

Just a thought, If what you can do to the wet land is a factor in buying the land, better check with Georgia's Environmental folks. Around here in NC the laws on wet land changes so fast that as soon as you get a permit, you better go ahead and do whatever, because next week it may be illegal.

[HillsideHouse]

Very true, you really need to check on it. We just purchased 11+ acres in NC. We are only allowed to change and/or otherwise fill 1/10 per acre of wetlands. Permit is $100.

KAT

[tweety]

Wetlands are mostly of use to wildlife, so if you like having ducks nesting and/or wintering on your property and lots of other birds and animals finding food and shelter, you will appreciate owning a piece of wetland.

[michiganfarmer]

big tires, big trucks, and big engines

[Ramblin Wreck]

Huntin' and fishin'.

[CoonXpress]

Heck, become a Mosquito farmer.

[moonwolf]

The beavers here change wetlands pretty consistently around here. Where once can be a large acerage pond, can be a meadow within a year if the beavers change to move to more conducive habitat. That meadow can naturally convert back to dry land, thus not being a 'wetland' anymore.
Wetlands are great for wildlife. If you don't want that, don't buy into a wetland.

[65284]

About the only thing you can do with a true wetland area is pay taxes on it. Unless, of course, you want the various and sundry govt agencies that claim dominon over all wetlands landing on you very, very hard.

[marvella]

Originally Posted by tweety

Wetlands are mostly of use to wildlife, so if you like having ducks nesting and/or wintering on your property and lots of other birds and animals finding food and shelter, you will appreciate owning a piece of wetland.

they also function as water filters, and help to prevent flooding in case of a major storm. think new orleans.... if the wetlands had been left intact instead of filled in, they would have taken the brunt of the storm, as a hurricane loses strength as it passes over land.

they are excellent wildlife watching areas and are protected just about everywhere.

[BillHoo]

Throw some gators on the land. You can harvest them for meat and hides.

Taking small children on boat outings to look at the cute gators is a fun family pastime!

[RosewoodfarmVA]

Assuming no govt. interference (haha) wetland properly drained and ditched can be excellent farmland. We have 6 acres of what used to be beaver swamp that was drained years ago here on our farm. It is the richest topsoil around here in a part of Virginia that is known for it's red clay and shallow soil. We have it fenced, but only pasture it in summer. Because of how the beavers dammed up the creek, all the topsoil erosion over the years settled there, so after being drained it had deep soil, and lots of humus and organic matter.

Due to how flat it is it frequently floods in winter, and we usually cut it for hay in spring, then pasture it in summer when everything else dries up, because the water table is close beneath it never really dries out as much as the other "non wetland" fields. Properly used wetland can be a good part of a managed farming operation, assuming no government intrusion.....

[suitcase_sally]

Originally Posted by michiganfarmer

big tires, big trucks, and big engines

Big fines.

[suitcase_sally]

Some wetlands don't appear to be wetlands at all. I have a piece of property that is considered "wooded wetlands". In the spring is is full of vernal pools - tiny ponds that may be a foot deep where spring peepers, wood ducks and other critters congregate. By the middle of summer the ponds have dried up. Lots of wildlife.

[dheat]

Thanks for all the input. BTW, I've decided to pass on this property.

Thanks again,

Doug

[SteveD(TX)]

Wetlands are designated as such for a reason. So that you leave them alone. They are serving a purpose, and no other "use" is appropriate.

[ricky]

dheat people pay sick money for wet land rights to hunt water foul blinds go for 20 grand and up where i come from.

[GREENCOUNTYPETE]

hunt it

[Selena]

Wetlands are good for absorbing water and giving excess rain water a place to call home versus flooding your yard. That is their lot in life.