9460

• UCREFRP Catalog Number: 9460
• Author: Wentz, W. A.
• Title: Wetlands Values and Management.
• USFW Year: 1981.
• USFW - Doc Type: Washington, D.C.
• Copyright Material: NO

Swamps

Swamps primarily occur throughout the
southern U.S., coastal areas, and the
Great Lakes and New England area. They
are dominated by woody vegetation.
Northern swamps usually are character-
ized by cedars, maples, ashes, willows,
and alders, while in the south, bald
cypress, tupelo gum, and oaks tend to
dominate. Swamps are often wet during
part of the year and dry during the rest.
During the wet season many of the trees
are dormant. Swamps may be any size
and some of the largest are associated

with major river systems, such as the
Mississippi. These river swamps are
known as bottomland hardwood swamps
due to the predominance of large stands
of trees. Swamps are important areas for
wildlife and fish and they provide many
valuable products, such as timber, cray-
fish, and other products. Swamps
associated with river systems are
extremely valuable in flood control
because they slow downstream flows and
help to even out flood peaks.

3