Wetlands are extremely complex ecosystems and far more valuable to humans than most people realize. Wetlands are key components within a watershed and help regulate water levels, improve water quality and reduce the impact of storms. In addition to supporting an incredibly rich range of fish, wildlife and plants (over one third of all threatened or endangered species live only in wetland areas), they provide a wealth of recreational and economic opportunities for humans. Hunting, fishing, bird watching etc. are multi-billion dollar industries that are dependent on healthy wetlands. In coastal areas, the wetland based fisheries are the economic lifeblood for entire communities.

Thus, with good reason, even those who do not give a hoot about the owls and the thousands of other creatures that call wetlands “home”, should be concerned about what is happening to our wetlands.

Water Quality and Quantity

Wetlands act as natural filters for upland surface water, retaining excess nutrients and various types of pollutants as well as reducing sediment, all of which improve water quality. Additionally, wetlands often serve as the headwaters for streams and can serve as important components for ground water recharge.

A strong word of caution is required. The ability of a wetland to cleanse water of pollutants is not unlimited. When the flow of pollutants surpasses a wetlands ability to filter them properly the wetlands itself can become so polluted that it not only will render the wetlands incapable of further filtration but it may be degraded to the point that it needs to be considered a pollution source itself. This is particularly true in situations where point source discharges directly into wetlands may have occurred in the past.

Storm Water and Erosion Control

Wetlands literally act as a sponge and serve as a depository for excess water during storm events and snow melts. By retaining surface water, wetlands help control the volume of water flowing downstream while the vegetation and topography of the wetlands serve to reduce the speed of the surface water running through them. The combination of reducing the volume and speed of storm water are critical components to reducing erosion and flood damage. In coastal areas, many states are now restoring wetlands to provide better buffering from tropical storms and hurricanes to reduce storm related damage and costs.

Animal Habitat

Wetlands are one of nature’s premier food sources and are home to an incredible array of life forms from the microscopic to the enormous. The shallow, nutrient rich environment provided by wetlands is ideal for Detritus (small organic particles composed of decomposed plant leaves and root systems) which provides the food source for small aquatic insects, shellfish and fish, which in turn provides the food source for larger predatory fish, reptiles, birds, amphibians and mammals.

Literally a microcosm of the food chain, wetlands are home to 1/3 of all endangered species. They are an essential habitat to many migratory birds and boost a diverse population that can range from the tiniest of mollusks to enormous alligators and virtually everything in between. Wetlands are so essential to beavers that they will create their own if need be and they do so so prolifically that beaver ponds warrant their own category in the classification system.

Recreation

Wetlands are an integral component to most of the natural areas that are destinations for outdoor enthusiasts. Camping, hiking, fishing, hunting and bird watching are just a few of the activities whose enjoyment is often contingent on healthy wetlands. The U.S. EPA reports that over half of all adult Americans (98 million) hunt, fish, photograph wildlife or birdwatch. If birdwatching seems a bit esoteric, consider that the Audubon Society reported that in 1991 more than 24 million Americans traveled to watch birds.

Economics

The recreational activities discussed above are dependent on healthy wetland systems and generate over $59 billion in spending (U.S. EPA). Two million jobs and $152 billion in spending from the sport and commercial fishing industries are largely dependent on healthy wetlands as 75% of all commercial marine fish and shellfish utilize them in part of their life cycle. Fur bearers are also common wetland inhabitants and the fur trade remains a multi-million dollar industry even today.