Ellicottville in Cattaraugus County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Hinman Valley Wetland Complex
Why Are Wetalnds Valuable?
Wetlands are transition areas between upland and aquatic habitats. For many years, people did not recognize the many diverse benefits and values of wetlands. As a result, New York has lost almost half of its histpric wetlands to such activities as filling and draining. However, because wetlands are valuable to the people and environment of New York State, the use of wetlands is now regulated by the state and federal governments. Functions and benefits that wetlands perform include the following:
Erosion Control
Wetlands protect water bodies by slowing water velocity and filtering sediments. They also protect shorelines from water erosion.
Flood and Storm Water Control
Wetlands provide critical flood and stormwater control functions. They slow down, store, and absorb the movement of rain and melting snow, minimizing flooding and stabilizing water flow. Wetlands also serve as surface water discharge areas, maintaining base flow in streams during dry periods, and supporting ponds and lakes.
Pollution Treatment and Nutrient Cycling
Wetlands cleanse water by filtering out pollutants, which are then broken down. In wetlands, organic materials are also broken down and recycled back into the environment, where they support the food chain.
Northern Leopard Frog (Rana pipiens)
Green Heron (Butorides virescens)
Fish and Wildlife Habitat
Wetlands are important areas for wildlife feeding, nesting, spawning, and resting. Wetlands also provide protection and cover for fish and wildlife, including many rare and endangered species.
Public Enjoyment
Wetlands provide areas for recreation, education and research. They also provide valuable open space, especially in developing areas where they may be the only green spaces remaining.
Erected 2010 by New York State Department of Transportation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 2008.
Location. 42° 19.383′ N, 78° 40.138′ W. Marker is in Ellicottville, New York, in Cattaraugus County. Marker is on Buffalo-Pittsburgh Highway (U.S. 219) ¼ mile south of Lindberg Road, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7460 Buffalo-Pittsburgh Highway, Ellicottville NY 14731, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. First Settler (approx. 2.7 miles away); Ellicottville Town Hall (approx. 3.3 miles away); In Memory of Those From Ellicottville (approx. 3.3 miles away); Cheryl Strayed (approx. 3.3 miles away); First Frame House (approx. 3.3 miles away); Jefferson Street Cemetery (approx. 3.7 miles away); East Otto Veterans Memorial (approx. 6.4 miles away); East Otto Union School (approx. 6.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ellicottville.
Credits. This page was last revised on July 2, 2017. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2017, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 386 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 2, 2017, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.