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December 1, 2003PRESERVING MICHIGAN'S WATERSWetlands have environmental, economic benefitsBy The Associated PressWetlands benefit other natural resources as well as people. They do the following: • Act as nature's sponges, absorbing and slowly releasing surface water, rain, snowmelt, groundwater. Help control erosion and flooding. • Provide breeding, nesting and feeding grounds, cover for many forms of wildlife and waterfowl. • Protect endangered, threatened species. One-third of such species in U.S. live only in wetlands; one-half make use of them. • Recharge groundwater supplies. • Reduce pollution by filtering out sediments, toxins, excess nutrients before they enter waterways. • Provide food products such as fish, shellfish, blueberries, wild rice. Some medicines made from wetland plants, soils. • Provide recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, boating, birdwatching. Sources: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. |
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