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Table of Contents
"Swamps can usually be found near a body of water such as a river or lake, but can also be made from rainwater that accumulates in pools on the ground. Swamps are distinct from other wetlands such as marshes and bogs, because they are surrounded by forests and aren't necessarily freshwater. They can be found almost everywhere in the world, except for Antarctica, and have varying features depending on where they are located." - Swamps
Swamps might not seem particularly special nor important, however healthy swamps are rich in biodiversity even acting as nurseries to a wide variety of species including fish, birds, beneficial insects, and amphibians.
Much like other wetlands, they help reduce flooding, reduce pollution load entering our oceans, and generally retain their moisture even during long droughts, providing a vital water source even during sustained droughts.
The Green Swamp in Florida is an example of a higher altitude swamp that not only spawns several rivers on which much of Florida relies, but also provides water pressure for the local aquifer, pushing water down towards the Gulf Coast and keeping the water table stable.
Beavers are ecological engineers who actually help build and manage swamps and other wetlands. In fact, but replicating beaver behavior, conservationists and rewilders can help create new wetland spaces at little to no cost, in some cases helping to create habitat that invites beavers to places that would otherwise no longer be appropriate for the species.
Tropical Peatland Restoration Report: The Indonesian Case (PDF) includes species lists, photos, maps, information about dams and logging, etc.
Beaver-Related Restoration "Reintroduction of beavers and the use of beaver mimicry are techniques increasingly being employed to accomplish stream, wetland, and floodplain restoration. By constructing dams that impound water and retain sediment, beaver (or beaver biomimicry projects) substantially alter the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the surrounding river ecosystem. These restored systems create new, more complex habitat in degraded systems and provide greater benefits to plants, fish, and wildlife."
NSW
Salinity Indicator Plants (PDF) "This booklet is based on information provided in Spotting Salinity Using Indicator Plants, which was produced by the NSW Department of Land and Water Conservation, Hunter Region in 1998, with assistance from the Hunter Catchment Management Trust and NSW Agriculture. Information contained in the plant description section and pictures of some species have been taken with permission directly from the 1998 publication."
Queensland
The Flora Wetland Indicator Species List (WISL) "has been compiled to support the determination of whether a site is a wetland. The Wetland Indicator Species (WIS) in WISL have adapted to living in wetlands and are dependent on them.
The presence of a WIS at a site does not, in itself, confirm the site to be a wetland, but is one line of evidence towards determining the wetland status of a site."
Xerces: Effective Mosquito Management "It’s understandable why, in the face of a mounting health crisis, communities and health organizations scramble to prevent outbreaks by any means necessary. Spraying may seem like a quick way to soothe the public’s nerves, but as a strategy for controlling mosquitoes, it’s a blunt and ineffective tool. Widespread application of adulticides creates a false sense of security while causing many unintended and far-reaching consequences. Through the application of common-sense protocols and proactive planning, effective mosquito management that limits impacts on the environment is possible."
Ecologically Sound Mosquito Management in Wetlands "An overview of mosquito control practices, the risks, benefits, and non-target impacts, and recommendations on effective practices that control mosquitoes, reduce pesticide use, and conserve wetlands."
Tuckean Swamp Restoration "The Tuckean Swamp Is One Of The Biggest Wetlands In New South Wales. Once dubbed ‘Kakadu of the South’ for its abundant wildlife, the Tuckean was an engine room for fisheries productivity throughout Northern NSW."
Cameroon Wildlife Conservation Society (CWCS) "is a lead national environment NGO in Cameroon founded in February 1997. The organisation’s head office is in Yaoundé. CWCS is administered by a board of directors with more than 100 registered members comprising environment experts, young conservation professionals and students."
Rainforest Trust "is working with local partner, Cameroon Wildlife Conservation Society (CWCS), to elevate the protected status of Douala-Edea Wildlife Reserve to a national park while increasing the reserve by 375,303 acres of mangrove forests, rivers, wetlands and marine habitats. Collectively, this expansion and conversion to a national park will actively safeguard a total of 741,000 acres."
Borneo Nature Foundation "Our mission is to protect, maintain and enhance the rainforests of Borneo, the biodiversity found within and the benefits that these provide for people. Our research is essential to help us understand these complex ecosystems and the wildlife that depends upon them so that we can develop the best strategies to conserve them.
Forests across Borneo are home to many critically endangered species, flora and fauna, but they are disappearing rapidly. Forest fires and clearance for plantations and agriculture are destroying vital habitat. Logging, mining and encroachment by the ever-expanding human population are threatening the forests that provide important ecosystem services to local communities.
We work with these communities to develop sustainable livelihoods, and support Social Forestry initiatives that empower communities to manage their forests and protect natural resources for the future."
USGS Wetland and Aquatic Research Center "WARC conducts relevant and objective research, develops new approaches and technologies, and disseminates scientific information needed to understand, manage, conserve, and restore wetlands and other aquatic and coastal ecosystems and their associated plant and animal communities throughout the nation and the world."
Georgia
Okefenokee Protection Alliance "a coalition of more than 40 organizations, is leading the effort to protect the largest blackwater wetland in North America. At stake is an incomparable 440,000-acre ecosystem, two rivers and a wilderness destination that records as many as 700,000 annual visits." "The Okefenokee Swamp is threatened by a titanium dioxide mine."
Texas
Bayou Land Conservancy "preserves 14,000 acres of habitat for flood control, clean water, and wildlife." This includes some rare swamp in the Houston area.
OZ Fish "Through the power of many, we are delivering fish habitat rehabilitation projects across Australia. Our network of recreational fishers brings the right expertise to the table and activates local organisations. When you become an OzFish member you can connect with your local chapter and become part of protecting our native fish and habitat. Because healthier waterways will mean more fish and better fishing."
Pro Aves "works to protect its 27 Nature Reserves, conserving more than 65,000 hectares of key ecosystems for Colombia’s biodiversity, including alpine tundra ecosystems such as the páramo and subpáramo, mountain forests, tropical rainforests, tropical dry forests, and mangrove swamps."
Swamps of the World scroll down to read about major swamps or click the map for a larger view.
The National Trust: Freshwater Community Grant Fund "Grants of £500 to £5,000 are available for initiatives that create, look after or improve local freshwater habitats and provide opportunities for people to connect with nature."
The Financial Incentives Database (FIND) "tool was developed by ISAP to share financial payment opportunities that are available for adopting conservation practices such as cover crops, saturated buffers, and constructed wetlands. By listing program information side-by-side, the FIND tool allows farmers to compare programs and select the option that is best for their operation.
Information in this tool is current as of June 1, 2024. Information may have changed since that time. Users are encouraged to confirm the latest information through the organization’s website. The information in this tool will be updated on an annual basis.
Begin by entering basic information about your farm location, production type, and conservation goals."
Florida
Tampa Bay Environmental Restoration Fund "This includes projects that address on-the-ground habitat restoration; water quality improvement; applied research and monitoring; and community-based social marketing campaigns. Proposals that benefit historically underserved and overburdened communities are encouraged to apply. Preference will be given to proposals that are aligned with conservation objectives and priorities described below.
Awards typically range from $25,000-$250,000. A minimum 1:1 match of cash or in-kind/contributed goods and services is required. Eligible applicants include local, state, and federal governments; non-profit organizations; and educational institutions. Projects should not exceed a three-year timeline from contract execution to completion."