We mention it a lot: Timber mats protect the ground level – especially in environmentally sensitive areas that feature wetlands. But exactly what are the consequences of not using timber mats? Aside from causing your heavy construction equipment to get stuck in the mud and/or tip over – the negative impact on thde environment can be pretty profound. By using mats, you can ensure that you protect against the following:

Protect Against Erosion – Mats can protect again soil degradation. Without using them, you can hurt the amount of erosion control important wetland areas provide.

Protect Against Disrupting Vegetation – Once timber mats are removed from environmentally friendly areas, the vegetation under which they were placed is once again free to grow. Vegetation often times serves as an important food source for local wildlife.

Protect Against Changes to Drainage – Heavy construction equipment can leave deep tracks in the ground – sometimes even impacting drainage flow in wetland areas. By placing mats down, you not only ensure that you don’t get stuck; you also ensure that your machinery doesn’t affect the ground level in any way.

WHY TO PRESERVE WETLANDS

Wetlands serve an important role in the Earth’s environment. They allow for flood control (taking in runoff water), provide erosion control (as we mentioned earlier), and act as filters for discharge – allowing other bodies of water to have cleaner H2O. Additionally, they also are important habitats for wildlife, especially when they serve as fisheries.

By using timber mats in these environmentally sensitive areas, you can ensure that they continue to play an important role in the Earth’s ecosystem.