Lacustrine Fringe Wetlands
Description:
Lacustrine Fringe wetlands are found throughout the state of Montana. They are characterized as wetlands that exist on the shores of any wetland or deepwater habitat with the following characteristics: 1) Situated in a topographic depression or dammed river channel, 2) lacking trees, shrubs, persistent emergent's, emergent mosses or lichens with greater than 30 percent aerial coverage, and 3) total area exceeds 20 acres. Lacustrine fringe wetlands can be both on naturally occurring deepwater habitats and man-made deepwater habitats such as reservoirs.1
Function and Values:
Lacustrine fringe wetlands, like all other wetland types, provide a variety of functions and values. Some of the most important functions are their use as breeding and foraging habitat for a variety of animal species. They also have the ability to reduce the direct inputs of sediment into lakes, and also act as a nutrient filter for the water within a lake.
Photos of Lacustrine Fringe Wetlands:
Photo by: Unknown
"Fringe wetlands along the shore of a lake"
Photo by Tom Hinz
"Hardstem bulrush fringe wetland around Hedstrom
Lake, McCone County, MT"
Photo by Larry Urban
"Lacustrine Fringe Emergent Wetland along Salmon
Lake, Clearwater River Drainage, Montana"
Distribution Map of Lacustrine Fringe Wetlands:
Potential Stressors:
Recreation:
Photo by: Unknown
"Lacustrine Fringe Wetland impacted by recreational vehicles."
Reference:
1 Hansen, P. L. et al. 1995. Classification and Management of Montana's riparian and Wetland Sites. Montana Forest and Conservation Experiment Station. University of Montana, Missoula, MT.
