Of the original 215 million acres of wetlands existing 200 years ago in the continental United States, less than 100 million acres remain.

Image of a toad peeking out of water, surrounded by vegetation.

Source: Hidden Toad, Willem Siers, FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Should the wetlands be protected?

Twenty-two states have lost at least 50% of their original wetlands. Seven states have lost over 80% (Indiana, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Iowa, California, and Ohio). Since the 1970's the most extensive wetlands loss has occurred in Louisiana, Mississippi, Arkansas, Florida, South Carolina, and North Carolina.

Image of a US map. All 50 states are labeled by the percentage of lost wetlands from 1780s to 1980.Source: Percentage of Wetlands Acreage Lost, 1780s-1980s, US Geological Survey

Wetland losses from the 1950's to the 1970's averaged about 458,000 acres per year. Agricultural development was responsible for about 87% of this loss. In the 1990's wetland losses averaged about 117,000 acres per year, due to passage of the Clean Water Act, state and local government wetland protections, and the vigilance of community conservationists who challenge the ongoing draining and filling of wetlands, mostly for residential and commercial development.

Study the map below, it illustrates the wetland loss index.

Image of a US map that is coded by the level of wetlands loss.Source: Wetlands loss, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Image of a bar graph that represents the various causes of the wetland destruction in Massachusetts for the years of 2004 and 2006. The causes listed are: agriculture, commercial, cranberry bob, other, residential, clearing unknown, dock/pier.

Source: Causes of wetland destruction, Massachusetts Government.

Use these charts to record information on the Wetlands Handout.

Activity

Much of wetland loss is attributable to agricultural activities, such as draining, diking and plowing of wetlands. There are other human activities that lead to wetlands destruction. Read the list below and determine which one(s) you believe may lead to the destruction of wetlands.

Interactive exercise. Assistance may be required. Click the box for your correct choice (s).

So why should we protect wetlands?

Preventing wetlands loss is good for the economy, because filling or draining wetlands cost a lot of money in lost tourist dollars, reduction of fisheries, and repairing flood damage. It also costs a lot more to restore a wetland than to just protect it in the first place. Destroying wetlands means fewer birds and less wildlife.