The wetlands in the City of Lake Park are indispensable and fragile natural resources
with significant development constraints due to flooding, erosion, and soils limitations.
In their natural state, wetlands serve man and nature. They provide habitat areas
for fish, wildlife and vegetation; water quality maintenance and pollution control;
flood control; erosion control; natural resource education; scientific study; and
open space and recreational opportunities. In addition, the wise management of forested
wetlands is essential to the economic well being of many communities within the State
of Georgia.
Nationally, a considerable number of these important natural resources have been lost
or impaired by draining, dredging, filling, excavating, building, pollution and other
acts.
Piecemeal or cumulative losses will, over time, destroy additional wetlands. Damaging
or destroying wetlands threatens public safety and the general welfare.
The purpose of this article is to promote wetlands protection, while taking into account
varying ecological, economic development, recreational and aesthetic values. Activities
that may damage wetlands should be located on upland sites to the greatest degree
practicable as determined through a permitting process.