r/EPA
United States :
Environmehljal i
Protection Abericy
tareyyetlqnds?
y are they important?
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i
^Wetlands jare thejink bgtween, _^
• land and water, where the flow:
~ ;f water jite cycling of nutrients
lid the energy of the sun meet to
^produce a unique ecosystem
Characterized by hydrology,
Special soils and vegetation.
^Wetlands provide numerous '
Benefits, including habitat for
Jloja and Ikjma, improved water
lijuality, flood abatement, water
Storage "and ground water
jecharge, reduced erosion,
Jupp'brt 'of fisheries and
^opportunities for education and
Irecreation. Wetlands may not be
wet year-round. In fact some of
the most important wetlands are
•"Seasonally dry transition zones.
--, ^IJ**!
; ' . . • Jfu", -'I
lany communities are now £
^exploring how to best protect their
^gxisting wetland resources _and ^
rrestyje some of the thousands, gf f
acres that have been lost or
Degraded. Active citizens are
^working to protect this critical
Jeature of thq environment foi;
future generations.
May is the month to recognize and celebrate
the wonderful ways wetlands enrich the
environment and people. It is a time to
give back\to the environment by
learning more about wetlands and
__ 2 participating in the many scheduled
events. The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency is proud to partner
with thelzaak Walton League of America
and other partners celebrating American
Wetlands 'Month each May. Events are scheduled across the country to
educate, involve and engage Americans who want to better understand
the value1 of one of Earth's most important ecosystems.
Why Celebrate Wetlands? _____ ________
Wetlands a[re among the most valuable but least understood of all natural
resources. jThey provide rich habitat for wildlife. They are places in which
many animals and birds build nests and raise their young. Migrating birds
stop over in wetlands to rest and to feed on abundant plant life that
flourishes there. We celebrate wetlands each May when they are teeming
with new inimal and plant life.
Wetlands b' enefit our communities as well. They are valuable because they
replenish and clean water supplies and reduce flood risks. In addition,
wetlands provide recreational opportunities and aesthetic benefits. They serve
as sites for research and education and benefit commercial fishing.
Unfortunately, wetlands have been misunderstood
for many years, often viewed as wastelands to be
drained and converted to other uses. But if i
wetlands disappear, water will not be as clean, tfish
and bird populations will suffer, and the frequency
and severity of floods will increase. Americans I
have begun to recognize the value of wetlands, i
and the rate of loss has declined dramatically over
the last 30 years. It is important that we continue
to stop the loss of wetlands and begin to achieve a
net gain through better management and
restoration. Learn how you can help by
discovering more about wetlands and participating
in events celebrating American Wetlands Month.
Canoeists dip into wetlands during an exciting educational excursion.
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CAMPAIGN
Steering Committee: | \
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency • :
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service |
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ;
U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation I
U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management'
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers ,
Federal Highway Administration ',- ,
U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service;
Wetland Programs
EPA's Wetlands Division, part of the Office of Wetlands,
Oceans, and Watersheds, works to restore and maintain the
nation's waters, including wetlands, by developing flexible and
effective wetland programs and policies. The Division
distributes sound scientific information and encourages states,
tribes and local governments to include wetlands protection
and restoration in their watershed planning efforts.
Wetland Protection and You
American Wetlands Month showcases the importance of
wetlands. It also reminds us that government regulations and
zoning restrictions are not enough to protect and restore
wetlands. Citizens must also become involved in wetland
protection efforts. You can identify your watershed and find
any wetlands in your neighborhood by visiting the National
Wetlands Inventory site at www.nwi.fws.gov. Caring, devoted
volunteers can make a big difference. You can find volunteer
resources on the Internet at these sites:
National Audubon Society
www.audubon.org
Frog Watch
www.mp2-pwrc.usgs.gov/frogwatch
USDA's Backyard Conservation Guide
www.nhq.nrcs.usda.gov/feature/backyard
Volunteer Wetland Monitoring: An Introduction and Resource
Guide (EPA 843-B-00-001)
www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands
Volunteer Monitor Newsletter Site
www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/monitor/#vol
fun -History of American
Month
. Arnencan Wetlands Month was begun in
'1*" federal",
State, tribal, .an3, locaj governments, an
private and nonprofit organizations, as a
Americans aBout trie. —1
eventsTincluding national and regional
' "Been "stage 3." A Broad"
e" of "people with ties to wetlands,
i^rincluding scientists, educators, and public
'iff" these ;
Celebrations, The, .annual
Fs=:celebration of American Wetlands Month
~—-irr May inspires and empowers people to
5^stoikjthrojighout the year to protect and
»«-r62rparid wetlands. For more information
fhatvou can do to take part, visit the
IPIIFliiafcJ! sTiis « r n ran i * r p jn M
. website below,
"»"
Environmental Law Institute's
l Wetlands Awards are a highlight
each year's celebration. They honor
from, across the country who
mary ........... effort,
and excellence, in wetland
information on
these awards, see www.eliforg.
i n i • "rf -afna
Wetlands jConfergnce is
also ;heli biennially in partnership with
tjbfi. Jzaak Walton^ League of America.
erence information.^ American
eflands Month project^ iHeas and a
calendar pf wetland events in your state
can be found on the Izaak Walton League
website_at www.iwla.org/sos/awm.
1 •..!••»• .-•!! I
For more information on American Wetlands Month, log onto www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/awm
EPA 843-F-03-005
Office of Water
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