Why do we protect wetlands?

Wetlands provide many invaluable functions to a healthy ecosystem and to society. Under the Wetlands Protection Act there are eight interests that are protected:

• Protection of public and private water supply   
• Protection of ground water supply       
• Flood control   
• Storm damage prevention 
• Prevention of pollution 
• Protection of land containing shellfish 
• Protection of fisheries 
• Protection of wildlife habitat

Additional interests under the Town Bylaw, Chapter 172:

• Biodiversity    
• Rare species habitat    
• Recreation      
• Agriculture and aquaculture     
• Water quality