United States
Environmental Protection
Office of Water (WH-556F).
Office of Wetlands, Oceans,
and Watersheds (A-104 F)
EPA843-F-93-001a
March 1993
SERA WETLANDS FACT SHEET* 1
Wetlands Protection - Overview
Over the past few years,
the issue of wetlands protec-
tion seems to come up every-
where you turn. It's in the news-
papers and on T.V. and radio
news and talk shows.
Why all the fuss?
Wetlands are, by defi-
nition, transitional areas be-
tween open water and dry land.
The "natural" values of these
wet areas have historically com-
peted with their value as "dry"
land where they can be con-
verted for other purposes such
asdevelopments or agriculture.
The water may
not be on the
surface all the
time, making it
hard to "know
it when you see
it."
However,
wetlands are generally ex-
tremely valuable and produc-
USOKSUKf A
WETUNPTDAB!
Reprinted with pennisaion from Jcny L. Bunctt, The Indi«n«polia Ncwi
tive ecosystems. They are
home to many beautiful and
rare species. They are the
sourceof many commercially
and recreationally valu-
able species of fish,
shellfish and wildlife.
They retain flood wa-
ters and protect shore-
lines from erosion.
Wetlands filter runoff
and adjacent surface
waters to protect the quality of
our lakes, bays and rivers. Wet-
Egrtt
lands also protect many
of our sources of drink-
ing water. And wet-
lands provide varied
recreational opportuni-
ties throughout the
country.
EPA knows that there
is confusion about wet-
lands and programs
that protect them.
This collection of fact
sheets is designed to offer some
bask information about wet-
lands and the programs that
affect them. If you would like
more information, please con-
tact the sources identified
within. And remember, the
EPA WETLANDS HOTLINE*
is there for everyone afc
1-800-832-7828
Reprinted with permiMion. DMIZJMT in The Christian Science Monitor. 1991TCSP5
& Printed on Recycled Paper
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