Threats to wetlands. Sadly, wetlands are threatened by many human activities. Moreover, the ecological health of our remaining wetlands may be in danger from habitat fragmentation, polluted runoff, water level changes and invasive species, especially in rapidly urbanizing areas.

Common direct impacts to wetlands include filling, grading, removal of vegetation, building construction and changes in water levels and drainage patterns. Most disturbances that result in direct impacts to wetlands are controlled by State and Federal wetland regulatory programs.

Wetlands serve as a source of drinking water and provide protection against floods and storms, yet they have been decimated to make space for housing, factories and farms or damaged by unsustainable water use and pollution. …

Wildlife: Yes, wetlands are their own ecosystem and are the home to an incredible range of wildlife species, aquatic plants, vegetation, flora and fauna, which can actually be an attractive feature of your home. It’s indeed incredible to share your living space with such a diverse range of wildlife!

Disadvantages

• Good removal capability or urban pollutants.
• If lined, can be used where groundwater is vulnerable.
• Good community acceptability.
• High potential ecological, aesthetic and amenity benefits.
• May add value to local property.

Standard setback distances often range from 50 to 100 feet from the stream or river, but can vary based on the specific riparian zone. As a rule of thumb, a greater setback width means a greater margin of safety from water-related hazards.

In general, I would say that being next to or near a creek most often will improve the value of the home because creeks are scenic and also provide a space buffer between rear neighbors. They frequently have beautiful old trees framing their banks and are slightly curved, too, so these are usually quite pretty.

Maintenance isn’t an issue for properties that have natural creeks or ponds that are maintained by mother nature — those almost always add value. But a water feature that requires constant maintenance will raise red flags with buyers about the amount of work required.

A creek, like any other piece of land or body of water can be privately owned. If it is public property (like many creeks) and there is access allowed by the governing authority, you are definitely NOT trespassing. A creek, like any other piece of land or body of water can be privately owned.

A landowner cannot alter waterways running through his land if it will affect water flows or individuals downstream. Alberta legislation simply provides that the crown has title to all “beds and shores” of permanent and naturally occurring bodies of water, rivers and streams.

The recreation use law only applies to running waters such as rivers, streams, and creeks. Unless you can find public access, the property that you must cross to get to the river, stream, or creek can be subjected as private property.

So yes, technically you do own the part of the creek that flows through your yard enough to tell average citizens that they are trespassing; however, you do not really own all of the water flowing through your property. If the creek runs through your land, then it’s yours if that’s part of your deed.

As mentioned above, the construction of dams on streams or creeks in Tennessee in most cases requires an Aquatic Resource Alteration Permit from the Division of Water Resources. Streams and creeks are protected for uses such as irrigation, recreation, fish and aquatic life, and livestock water and wildlife.

However, under Canadian law, no one can “own” a lake or any body of “navigable water”. By law, navigable waterways like lakes and rivers may be freely traversed by anyone.