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Natural and Beneficial Functions of Wetlands

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In Cape Coral, In Cape Coral, the areas most susceptible to tropical storm tidal surge are located near the coastline of Charlotte Harbor, Matlacha Pass, and the Caloosahatchee River. These vast areas extend from Burnt Store Marina to just north of Four-Mile Cove Ecological Park. Most of these areas with the highest susceptibility to flooding are preservation lands owned by the State of Florida. By preserving the native vegetation consisting of salt marshes and mangrove communities, residents of Cape Coral gain significant protection. The mangroves, in particular, stabilize the shoreline during hurricanes. The mangroves have prop roots, leaves, and branches that offer frictional resistance to flowing water. This reduces storm erosion and decreases the speed of the flow of tidal inundation. It also allows the settling of particulate matter. Trees use these sediments and the nutrients in the water for growth.
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