Why are salt marshes important?
Salt marshes are important because they are one of the worlds most productive ecosystems. They also serve as a breeding ground for various marine species, protect coastal communities from erosion and flooding, act as a purifying agent for water flowing through them, provide a foundation for the entire marine food web and support a large number of marine species thus increasing biodiversity. Where is the Weir Creek Salt Marsh? The Weir Creek salt marsh is located on Lower County Road in the town of Dennis, MA. Why is this marsh being considered for restoration? The culvert constructed under Lower County Road is too small to allow the full tidal flow into the Weir Creek Salt Marsh. This alters the ecology of the marsh and has resulted in the growth of the common reed Phragmites Australis. The Weir Creek salt marsh was chosen by the Natural Resources Conservation Service as one of 26 high-priority sites for consideration because a large area can be returned to marsh land with relative eas
