Wet Meadows
Description:
"Wet meadows are a type of marsh that commonly occurs in poorly drained areas such as shallow lake basins, low-lying farmland, and the land between shallow marshes and upland areas. Some wet meadows are found high in the mountains on poorly drained soil. These wetlands, which often resemble grasslands, are typically drier than other marshes except during periods of seasonal high water. For most of the year wet meadows are without standing water, though the high water table allows the soil to remain saturated. A variety of water-loving grasses, sedges, rushes, and wetland wildflowers proliferate in the highly fertile soil of wet meadows." 1
Function and Values:
During periods of high rainfall, wet meadows collect runoff, reducing the likelihood of seasonal flooding to downstream low-lying areas. In the process of collecting and storing runoff, the vegetation of wet meadows removes the excess nutrients accumulated by the water, acting as a natural filter. This nutrient rich environment provides vital food and habitat for many insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Photos of Wet Meadows:
Photo by: Anna Breninger
"A wet meadow/beaver ponds complex on Wheat Ranch, South of Dillon, Beaverhead County, Montana."
Photo by Tom Hinz
"Shooting stars blooming in a wet meadow near
Ringling, Montana"
Photo by: Lynda Saul
"Wet meadow in an arid landscape near Clark Canyon
Reservoir, Southwestern Montana"
Photo by Larry Urban
"Wet meadow and Fen in the Swan Valley,
Northwest Montana"
Distribution Map of Wet Meadows:
Potential Stressors:
Grazing:
Photo by: MT NHP
"The affects of cattle grazing on wet meadows."
Photo by: Erin Farris
"Cattle grazing in a wet meadow,
Southwestern Montana."
Converting Wetlands to Open Water:
Photo by: Lynda Saul
"Wet meadow that was diked and flooded for use as a stock pond."
Invasive Species:
Photo by: Natalie Byars
"Smooth brome infestation of a prairie pothole and
wet meadow, eastern Montana."
Reference:
1 http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/types/wmeadows.html
