SPECIAL PUBLICATION NO. 27


literature supports the idea that significant recharge occurs in wetlands.
Some studies indicate that most wetlands are discharge areas while a
few provide limited recharge (Carter, et al., 1978).
 Recharge in wetlands is not completely understood but is apparently
limited in its extent. Confusion in the literature suggests that generaliza-
tions concerning recharge in wetland areas should be made with caution
and that site specific studies may be needed in order to understand
individual systems.
 In certain geologic settings, development of a wetland may indicate
favorable areas in exploration for groundwater. Carter, et al. (1978) note
that a wetland developed on a floodplain of water-saturated sand might
serve as an indicator of potential water supply while simultaneously
reducing groundwater levels by evapotranspiration and the inhibition of
downward percolation of water.
 Wetlands have been cited as having a role in the control of both inland
and coastal erosion (Carter, et al., 1978). This role is dominantly related
to wetland vegetation which is described as serving three primary func-
tions: 1) binding and stabilization of substrate, 2) dissipation of wave and
current energy and 3) the trapping of sediment. Substantial evidence
exists suggesting that native plants are an effective part of natural ero-
sion control along river and lake shorelines. Limitations to that effective-
ness arise since vegetation can be undermined by wave and water,
severely damaged by floating debris or covered by debris and silt during
floods (Carter, et al., 1978). Vegetation performs a function in coastal
wetlands similar to that documented for inland lakes and rivers. It is
noted, however, that the ability of wetlands to mitigate the catastrophic
flooding from storm surge in combination with wind and high tide may be
relatively small (Carter, et al., 1978).
 Brown, et al. (1983) list the following biological functions of wetlands:
1) wildlife utilization, 2) life form richness and 3) gross primary produc-
tivity. Wildlife use measures the diversity of species inhabiting a given
community. It is the summation of amphibians, reptiles, mammals and
birds which commonly inhabit any wetland community. Life form rich-
ness refers to diversity in the physical structure or growth habits of
plants. Various life forms comprise trees, shrubs, emergents, surface
plants and submergent plants (Brown, et al., 1983). Gross primary pro-
duction measures plant matter during the growing season that may even-
tually become food for various consumers. Gross production is important
since it is the first step in the food chain (Brown, et al., 1983).
 Peat is frequently found in wetland environments, since waterlogging
is necessary in order for peat to accumulate and be preserved. The min-
ing of peat in wetlands will of necessity modify the wetland system from
which peat is taken. The hydrologic functions of a wetland are site spe-
cific (a wetland may or may not perform any given function) and, thus,
impacts of mining will also be site specific. Biologic functions of wet-
lands include the support of a diverse flora and fauna and also the gross
primary productivity of the environment itself. The modification of wet-