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Chapter 919: Definitions <br /> <br /> Page 919-19 <br />Wetlands, High Quality: High quality wetlands are still generally in their natural state and tend <br />to show less evidence of adverse effects of surrounding land uses. Exotic and invasive plant <br />species may be present and species dominance may not be evenly distributed among several <br />species, however, a minimum of 20 different species can be found within the basin. There t ends <br />t o be little evidence of water l evel fluctuation due to stor ms an d their shorelines are stable <br />with little evidence of erosion. The combination of these factors result in these wetland s being <br />judged as providing a greater level of water quality protection and significantly better wildlife <br />habitat. They show little if any evidence of human influences and their greater levels of species <br />variety, wildlife habitat and ecological stability results in higher aesthetic quality. These <br />characteristics also offer opportunities for educational or scientific value to the community. <br />Wetlands, Low Quality: Wetlands included in this category have been sub stantially altered by <br />agricultural or urban development that caused over nutrification, soil erosion, sedimentation <br />and water quality degradation. As a result of these factors, these wetlands exhibit low levels of <br />pl ant species and a related reduction in the quality of wild life habi tat. These wetlands may <br />also tend to exhibit extreme water level fluctuations in response to storms and show evidence of <br />shoreline erosion. While these wetlands do provide for water quality and serve a n i mport ant role <br />i n protecting wat e r quality downstream, the c o mb ination o f these characteristics cause <br />these wetlands to provide low levels of water quality protection and to have poor aesthetic quality. <br />They often exhibit evidence of significant human influences and they are deemed to be of little <br />educational or scientific value to the community. <br />Wetlands, Medium Quality: Medium quality wetlands have a slightly higher nu mber of plant <br />species pre sent than l ow quality wetlands, often with small pockets of indigenous species <br />within larger areas dominated by invasive or exotic species. Their relatively greater species <br />variety results in slightly better wildlife habitat. They exhibit evidence of relatively less <br />fluctuation in water level in response to storms and less evidence of shoreline erosion. As a result <br />of these characteristics, these wetlands provide somewhat better water quality protection. They <br />also exhibit relatively less evidence of human influences and therefore, tend to be of a higher <br />aesthetic quality. These wetlands are still judged to be of limited educational or scientific value to <br />the community. <br />Wetland Buffer: An area of non-disturbed ground cover abutting a wetland left undisturbed to <br />filter sediment, materials, and chemicals. <br />Wholesale Sales: Business primarily engaged in selling merchandise to retailers; to industrial, <br />commercial, institutional, or professional business users; or to other wholesalers. Wholesale <br />establishment does not include contractor’s materials or office or retail sales of business <br />supplies/office equipment. <br />Wind Energy Conversion System: A wind-driven machine that converts wind energy into <br />electrical power for the primary purpose of resale or off-site use <br />Yard, Front: That part of the property between the front lot line and either the principal <br />building.