§ 50-203. Findings.

The county council, finds the following facts to be true and a sufficient basis, either individually or in combination, to justify the restrictions which are set forth in this division:

(1)

Wetlands contiguous to waters of the state, noncontiguous and isolated wetlands serve the following important functions in the hydrologic cycle and ecological system:

a.

Riverine wetlands and adjacent floodplain lands provide natural storage and conveyance of floodwaters.

b.

Coastal wetlands and inland wetlands adjoining larger lakes and rivers act as barriers to waves and erosion.

c.

Inland wetlands provide temporary storage of surface waters during times of flood, thereby regulating flood elevations and the timing, velocity and rate of flood discharges.

d.

Wetlands temporarily store flood flows and reduce the velocity of floodwaters, reducing erosion and facilitating the settling of suspended sediment. Wetland vegetation filters and detains sediment which would otherwise enter lakes and streams.

e.

Wetlands may protect water bodies by providing settling of suspended sediments, assimilation of nutrients and uptake of other natural and manmade pollutants. Wetland vegetation filters sediment, organic matter and chemicals. Microorganisms utilize dissolved nutrients and break down organic matter.

f.

Coastal wetlands are important sources of nutrients for fish and shellfish and as spawning grounds. Inland wetlands adjacent to rivers, streams and lakes are important to freshwater fisheries as spawning grounds.

g.

Both coastal and inland wetlands provide essential breeding and predator escape habitats for many forms of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fishes and invertebrates.

h.

Wetlands provide essential habitat for many rare, endangered and threatened species.

i.

Wetlands provide excellent recreational opportunities, including but not limited to fishing, hunting, camping, photography, boating and nature observation.

j.

Wetlands, especially those in karst terrain, do contribute to surface water storage and may contribute to groundwater recharge.

(2)

Considerable acreage of wetlands has been lost, and their important functions impaired, by draining, dredging, flooding, filling, excavating, building, polluting and other acts. Remaining wetlands are in jeopardy of being lost or impaired by such acts. The loss of important wetland functions are contrary to the public health, safety and welfare.

(3)

Even though current federal, state and regional regulations protect important wetlands and their functions, local governments have the authority to adopt regulations affording additional protection.

(Ord. No. 89-8, § 2(501.00), 7-6-89)