A March 31 Newsday editorial, "Save Wetlands, Open Space" urges Albany lawmakers to preserve open space and protect wetlands.

On Feb. 3, The Massapequa Observer published a letter I wrote titled, "Protecting the Wetlands," one that may have gotten the attention of Senator Carl Marcellino (R-Syosset) and Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli (D-Great Neck). In that letter I stated that wetlands yield economic benefits by providing essential spawning grounds for commercially valuable fish and shellfish. They also provide essential tourism dollars from aesthetic and recreational opportunities, including bird watching and fishing. Wetlands also protect water supplies by intercepting polluted runoff before lakes, rivers, coastal estuaries and aquifers are impacted. Filtration of pollutants is a natural function of wetland ecosystems, improving water quality. They protect drinking water supplies by absorbing contaminants such as pesticides and nitrogen.

Presently, the New York State wetland policies are nebulous because of inconsistencies in federal and state regulations. Under current law, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) regulates wetlands that have been mapped and are at least 12.4 acres, except in the Adirondack Park where wetlands are regulated down to one acre. Senator Marcellino wants to give the state control over wetlands as small as an acre. The 12.4 acre size was included in the authorizing legislation as a political compromise and was determined independent of ecological value. The Community Preservation Act would allow municipalities around the state to create funds for preserving open space, historic buildings and other resources. Money raised for these projects could be like a real estate transfer tax, similar to the one working well on Long Island's East End. In my opinion, the towns and villages around the state should have complete control of their wetlands. The federal government should not regulate isolated wetlands just because migrating animals and birds don't know the state borders.

John H. Meyer