Wetlands (swamps, marshes, bogs, and similar areas) are areas saturated by surface or ground water sufficient to support distinctive vegetation adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands serve as natural habitat for many species of plants and animals and absorb the forces of flood and tidal erosion to prevent loss of upland soil.
In New York State, two main types of wetlands are the focus of protection: tidal wetlands around Long Island, New York City and up the Hudson River all the way to Troy Dam; and freshwater wetlands found on river and lake floodplains across the state.
This website provides information about:
- The status of New York's tidal and freshwater wetlands, and trends in the extent of wetlands in the state
- The state Freshwater Wetlands Act and how DEC regulates wetlands, including wetlands mapping
- Wetlands conservation and restoration
Why Are Wetlands Valuable?
Wetlands are known by many names, such as marshes, swamps, bogs, and wet meadows. Wetlands are transition areas between uplands and aquatic habitats. Standing water is only one clue that a wetland may be present. Many wetlands only have visible water during certain seasons of the year. For many years, people did not recognize the many diverse benefits and values of wetlands. Consequently, New York has lost almost half of its historic wetlands to such activities as filling and draining. However, wetlands are valuable to the people and environment of New York State. Some of the functions and benefits that wetlands perform include:
