POLICY 44

PRESERVE AND PROTECT TIDAL AND FRESHWATER WETLANDS AND PRESERVE THE BENEFITS DERIVED FROM THESE AREAS.

Explanation of Policy

Tidal wetlands include the following ecological zones: coastal fresh marsh; intertidal marsh; coastal shoals, bars and flats; littoral zone; high marsh or salt meadow; and formerly connected tidal wetlands. These tidal wetland areas are officially delineated on the Department of Environmental Conservation's Tidal Wetlands Inventory Map.

Freshwater wetlands include marshes, swamps, bogs, and flats supporting aquatic and semi-aquatic vegetation and other wetlands so defined in the NYS Freshwater Wetlands Act and the NYS Protection of Waters Act.

The benefits derived from the preservation of freshwater wetlands include but are not limited to:

- habitat for wildlife and fish, including a substantial portion of the State's commercial fin and shellfish varieties; and contribution to associated aquatic food chains;

- erosion, flood and storm control;

- natural pollution treatment;

- groundwater protection;

- recreational opportunities;

- educational and scientific opportunities; and

- aesthetic open space in many otherwise densely developed areas.

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