376 Natural Resources Systems Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Creation Creation is the construction of a wetland in an area where a wetland does not exist. Wet- lands can be constructed through soil excavation to provide a basin and changes in topography to ensure water fl ow into the wetland, Figure 15-25. Created wetlands are often constructed to collect storm water or to provide an area that will collect runoff from new land developments. Depending on its location and purpose, the banks or shore- line may be lined with turf or native hydrophilic plants. Newly created wetlands often become resting areas for migratory birds. Replication When wetland protection violations occur, or there is no alternative and construction must take place in a wetland area, replication of the existing wetland is often mandated. Wetland replication is the creation of a wetland site where one does not exist to replace one that is being eliminated. A contractor must meet with local conservation management commissions to determine how construction will impact a wetland and where the new wet- land will be created. The replication must be as large or larger than the affected area and must perform the same functions of the original wetland. Replication of wetlands, while not ideal, is intended to prevent further loss of wetland ecosystems. The term mitigation is also used in reference to the creation of wet- lands to compensate for permitted wetland losses. Enhancement Enhancements are changes made to repair or modify an existing wetland. A wetland is often enhanced to improve a particular function. A wetland, for example, may be enhanced to increase its use by a particular bird species. This enhancement, however, may alter the area in such a way that it decreases its usability by another species. Another common enhancement is excavating a portion of a wetland to increase the area of deep water for more duck habitat or provide more area for boating. More commonly, enhancement efforts are made to repair damage. Reallocation or Replacement Reallocation or replacement occurs when an existing wetland is converted to a different type of wetland. An area from which peat has been harvested, for example, may be deeply excavated and turned into a pond or lake. The damage to the original wetland, such as that caused by peat harvesting, is irreversible but the area still serves as a wetland that collects and holds water and provides wildlife habitat. “Only the most arrogant, shortsighted, and spiritually bereft of our species would say that, at any cost to other species, we need only worry about our own.” —Timothy Walker, Author, Plant Conservation: Why It Matters and How It Works John Panella/Shutterstock.com Figure 15-25. Wetland creation often requires substantial excavation.