Where's
the Beach?
Low
water levels in the Great Lakes have helped create a critical
coastal habitat referred to as an “emergent wetland.”
These areas are characterized by large expanses of vegetation and
sometimes a soft mud zone, separating upland from water.
These fertile wetlands have returned in dramatic fashion to the
shoreline in some areas of the state, most noticeably in the Saginaw
Bay region.
“Saginaw Bay has a gradual slope to the shoreline,”
explains Michigan Sea Grant Extension Agent Walter Hoagman. “Consequently,
low water levels expose extensive mudflats, which sprout up quickly
with wetland plants.”
Although these emergent wetlands are part of a natural process,
not everyone sees their beauty. The plants block access and views
of the water, and the soft mud deters swimmers.
As a result, many shoreline property-owners in the Saginaw Bay
area have plowed or graded their beaches, added sand or built
footbridges to the water. All of this is done in an effort to
make the beach more inviting for swimmers, park visitors and tourists
or simply to improve the view of the water.
The trouble, according to Daniel Morgan of the Saginaw Bay district
office of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ),
is that many of these activities are being conducted in ecologically
sensitive areas that are protected by federal and state regulations.
Without a proper permit, says Morgan, the activities are illegal
and will result in significant natural resource damage.
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“The bottomland and waters of the Great
Lakes are held in public trust,” says Morgan. “It’s
the responsibility of the state to be concerned with multiple
uses—not only with users on shore, but with wildlife habitat,
clean water and protection from erosion.”
Low-cost Shoreline Protection
Like other wetlands, emergent wetlands
provide many benefits. Erosion control is one. A network of vegetative
roots and rhizomes holds surface sand in place. During periods
of high water when these wetlands are submerged, this zone acts
as a buffer to strong waves. Destruction of this shoreline vegetation
can lead to long-term loss of shoreline protection, often requiring
structures to be built to control erosion.
Fish and wildlife also benefit from emergent wetlands. A variety
of birds, waterfowl, fish and wildlife rely on this coastal wetland
habitat for foraging, nesting and shelter during periods of both
high and low water. When grading or plowing removes native plants
and exposes subsurface clay, it not only destroys this habitat
but also allows non-native or exotic plant populations to take
hold. Plants, such as purple loosestrife and giant reed, that
provide little food and habitat value for wildlife, are quick
to colonize disturbed soils and are difficult, if not impossible,
to remove.
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