Since about 1960, development has proceeded in the watershed at an
accelerating rate.
Before that time, rain falling in the watershed was filtered slowly
through the earth, replenishing underground reservoirs and gently
nourishing streams. Today, in highly developed areas, rain runs off
roofs and lawns, across roads and driveways and through pipes into
Great Swamp streams. This increased runoff causes upstream erosion and
downstream flooding. It also dumps fertilizers, pesticides,
herbicides, and hydrocarbons into the swamp’s waterways. And it
depletes underground supplies of drinking water.
Changes like these, if permitted to increase, will reduce the
diversity of wetlands wildlife by altering animal habitats and
interfering with reproduction of sensitive species. Great Swamp's
ability to alleviate downstream flooding and purify water may also be
degraded seriously.
The solution to these problems lies largely in regional planning.
The Great Swamp
Watershed Association is a regional planning organization.
