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Kristin Shardlow 5/3/22 Kristin Shardlow 5/3/22

4 Major Drivers That Are Threatening Minnesota Wetlands

Although wetlands are a naturally resilient ecosystem, they are sensitive to environmental changes. In recent years, experts have documented changes that have negatively affected wetland habitat, many of which are tied to human activities. Compiled here is a list of four of the most pressing threats facing wetlands today.

Get to know Minnesota’s
8 Wetland Types

Taking into account the edaphic (soil-related), botanical, and hydrological variability among the types of wetlands in the United States, experts have developed a number of classification systems to categorize wetlands. One such system is Circular 39, developed in 1956 by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Circular 39 defines twenty different types of wetlands found in the U.S. The first eight are inland freshwater wetland types, all of them found in Minnesota.

Type 1: Seasonally-Flooded Basin

Although often overlooked at first glance, the seasonally flooded basin is a vital wetland ecosystem that has unique characteristics and provides essential environmental and economic services. Read more…
Type 2: Wet Meadows

Admired for their diverse plant communities and their ability to support rare and valuable species, wet meadows are considered invaluable wetland ecosystems that provide essential environmental and economic services. Read more…
Type 3: Shallow Marshes

Although commonplace, a shallow marsh is a highly regarded ecosystem that supports diverse wildlife and provides essential services for people and ecosystems alike. Read more…
Type 4: Deep Marshes

Known as “prairie potholes” in southern Minnesota, deep marshes are water-filled basins that provide food and resting areas for migratory birds and many other wildlife species. Read more…
Type 5: Inland Open Freshwater

Most often enjoyed by people for canoeing, hunting, and fishing, open freshwater wetlands are an accessible source of recreation and viewing plant and animal species. Read More…
Type 6: Shrub Swamps

As their locations and landscape positions are similar to those occupied by wooded swamps, shrub swamps have similar soils and perform similar ecosystem services. Read More…
Type 7: Wooded Swamps

Wooded swamps are a common feature on the Minnesota landscape throughout the state, but especially in central and northern Minnesota. They contribute vastly to the quality of life of every Minnesotan through the ecosystem services they perform, the timber they provide, their benefits to wildlife, their beauty, and the recreational opportunities they afford. Read more…
Type 8: Bogs

One of North America’s most distinctive kinds of wetlands, bogs are filled with spongy peat, acidic water, and a thick layer of sphagnum moss. They prevent downstream flooding by absorbing precipitation and provide habitat to animal species that are threatened by human encroachment. Read More…