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Most of the fens considered in this study were found to be <br />extremely rich. <br />0 <br />1.3 Functions and Uses of Peatlands <br />The natural functions and human uses of peatlands are related to <br />their physical and chemical characteristics. Because these are <br />not the same for all peatlands, the specific functions and uses <br />of any one particular peatland may be different from those <br />presented here. In general, peatlands provide the following <br />functions and may be put to the following uses. <br />The functions which peatlands provide include regulation of <br />water quality and quantity, ground water recharge, and serve as <br />areas of important habitat for both plant and animal species. <br />Peatlands can be important in regulating stream flow by <br />slowing the rate of storm runoff. Their ability to do so is <br />dependant upon the storage and release capacity of the peat. The <br />bulk density of the peat, the initial water table height at the <br />time of a storm, time since the last precipitation event, and <br />degree of ground water connection are the variables which control <br />the rate of flow attenuation. Because of their water holding <br />capacity they are capable of absorbing peak flows at times of <br />highest runoff. It is possible that they also provide additions <br />to base flow at times of lowest runoff by the release of stored <br />water to the stream, although this point is not clear in the <br />literature. <br />R <br />