Wisconsin_Wetlands

Wisconsin Wetlands During the past few years there has been much debate and concern relating to the protection of wetlands in Wisconsin. Wetlands are lands where water saturation is the major factor determining the nature of soil development and plant and animal communities. Until recently, wetlands were often viewed as wastelands, useful only when drained for agriculture or filled for development. Now, following a push by ecologists and environmentalists, many people recognize the importance of wetlands. Wetlands contribute to the social, economic and environmental health of our nation in many ways: „h By filtering pollutants, nutrients, and sediments, wetlands help protect water quality in our lakes, rivers, streams and wells. „h By storing runoff from heavy rains and snowmelts, wetlands reduce flood damage. „h By providing essential habitat for fish, waterfowl and a variety of other animals, wetlands provide for recreational opportunities for state residents and visitors. „h By acting as a shoreline buffer, wetlands protect against erosion from waves and currents. „h By providing beautiful open spaces, wetlands enhance quality of life, property values and tourism. The state of Wisconsin originally had approximately 10 million acres of wetlands. Currently, only half remain - and of the remaining many wetlands, water, corps, state, wisconsin, waters, senate, act, quality, dnr, construction, zoning, protection, limited, environmental, court, bill, been, allow, wetland, ways, states, sb, nr, navigable, local, federal, certification, authority, united, supreme, resources, protect