AMERICAN WETLANDS MONTH: May 1991 A National Celebration Prepared by Environmental Protection Agency Wetlands Division Wetland Strategic* and State Programs Branch Onrreach and Stat* Programs Section ------- AMERICAN WETLANDS MONTH EPA has been an active member of the wetlands protection community for many years. EPA has traditionally been involved in the wetlands regulatory program. The Outreach and State Programs Section of the Wetlands Strategies and State Programs Branch in EPA's Wetlands Division has expanded EPA's wetlands role to include wetlands outreach and education and to encourage public/private partnerships for wetlands protection and preservation. The Outreach and State Programs Section initiated the idea of May 1991 as American Wetlands Month to increase the public's awareness of wetlands values and functions and to encourage people to become more involved in wetlands protection efforts nationally as well as locally. Wetlands Protection Is a National Issue Wetlands protection continues to be a significant environmental issue. President Bush endorsed a no net loss of wetlands policy. The White House recently issued a comprehensive plan to improve the protection of the Nation's wetlands. This plan says that "The President believes we must look beyond regulation to encourage wetlands protection. We must enhance public understanding of the value of wetlands as well as support non-regulatory programs that encourage private, state and local actions to conserve wetlands." Wetlands are recognized as some of the most unique and important natural areas on earth. They provide food and shelter to countless animals including many fishes, birds, reptiles, and mammals. A large proportion of Federally listed Threatened and Endangered animals (45%) and plants (26%) depend directly or indirectly on wetlands to complete their life cycles successfully. Wetlands provide valuable benefits to man. They help reduce flooding, sustain stream flows, provide for an increased quality of life, cleanse polluted waters and sustain wildlife-associated recreation such as bird watching, fishing, and hunting. Wetlands provide essential habitat for a vast majority of the commercial fish and shellfish consumed in our Nation. Despite their many values, wetlands have long been misunderstood and have suffered great destruction and abuse. In the past, wetlands were often regarded as wastelands—sources of mosquitoes, flies, and unpleasant odors. Many people felt that wetlands were places to be avoided, or better yet, eliminated, when European settlers first settled in America, there were over 200 million acres of wetlands. Over time, more than 100 million acres —one-half— of our Nation's wetlands have been destroyed by filling, drainage, pollution, channeling, grazing, clearing, and other modifications resulting from man's activities. Unfortunately progress on improving wetlands protection has not occurred as quickly as needed and wetlands losses have ------- 2 continued at an alarming rate. As more information about the important values and functions of wetlands have been available, people have become more aware of and concerned about the continuing loss of these valuable areas. Wetlands protection can best be accomplished by the combined efforts of Federal, State and local governments, non-government, private groups and landowners, and non-profit organizations. Increased understanding and appreciation of wetlands value and functions is essential for increased wetlands management and protection. In order to increase public awareness and appreciation for the Nation's wetlands resources, EPA, in cooperation with other public and private organizations, helped to establish a nationwide celebration of American Wetlands Month in May 1991. The goal of this event was to: increase public awareness of the values and importance of wetlands encourage people to enjoy the unique opportunities these areas have to offer take action to protect, enhance, or restore wetland areas in their community. Wetland Values One of the main purposes of American Wetlands Month is for each of us to understand and appreciate the benefits that wetlands provide for us. The many, varied values and functions of wetlands are not always recognized. The following values were highlighted in the American Wetland Month celebrations and events. These include: Flood Control Wetlands hold excess water and slowly release it to downstream areas, helping to control flood waters that can damage property. Wetlands act as natural sponges that absorb flooding water. Erosion Control Wetlands buffer shorelands against erosion. Wetland vegetation are important in protecting against erosion, because they hold soil with their roots, they lessen wave action, and they slow water currents. Fish and wildlife Habitat Wetlands provide homes to many fish and wildlife species. Most fish and shellfish live in wetlands at some time during their life cycle. Many endangered and threatened species require wetland habitat. Wetlands provide habitat and migration routes for wildlife; these "linear corridors" ------- 3 along rivers and streams serve to create bridges within and between remaining wildlife habitat. Such landscape connectivity can help to increase or maintain species diversity, increase population size, maintain genetic variation, and provide predator-escape cover for movement between areas. Boating Wetlands are some of the last "wilderness" areas remaining in many regions of the country. As a result, recreational boaters, are drawn to these areas. Quality of Life Tidal and inland wetlands are typically areas of great diversity and beauty that provide open space for recreational and visual enjoyment. Wetlands are now being viewed by some home builders and other developers as "development assets" or "prtoject amenitities." Some home builders value wetlands because they provide natural buffers between land uses; can help to create a water "feature" within a devlopment; and create visual corridors and diversity to break up large developments. Fine Arts and Literature Wetlands have been an important part of our Nation's natural and cultural heritage. Over the last four centuries various paintings, books, journals, and photographs have depicted or described the wetlands of America. Water Quality and Quantity Wetlands are important for maintaining and improving the quality and regulating the quantity of our waters. Wetlands help purify water by processing nutrients, suspended materials, and other pollutants that may diminish water quality. Wetlands increase water quantity by absorbing water in wet seasons and gradually release it through wells, springs, seeps, and open outlets during dry periods. Commercial Fisheries A major part of the U.S. commercial fisheries catch is comprised of species that use wetlands as feeding habitat or as nursery or resting habitat during some part of their life cycle. Coastal and riverine wetlands produce large quantities of plant derived food materials that are carried into estuaries and other coastal areas where they support food webs that are critical to many commercial fisheries. Most freshwater fish feed on wetlands-produced food and use wetlands for nursery grounds. Many important recreational fish spawn in wetlands. ------- 4 Hunting and Trapping Wetlands contribute commercially to support a fur and hide harvest worth $300-400 million annually. Millions of migratory birds and waterfowl depend on wetlands for food and shelter during the spring and fall migrations north and south, and for breeding and wintering grounds in summer and winter. Recreation Wetlands are wonderlands. Many recreational activities such as waterfowl hunting, fishing, and crabbing take place in or around wetlands. A large variety of bird life feed, nest, and raise their young in wetlands. Kany people enjoy bird watching. Other popular wetland recreational activities are hiking and nature observation. Nationwide Celebration The first American Wetlands Month was celebrated nationwide in May 1991. Fifty organizations including Federal, State, and local governments, national and local environmental organizations, State associations, private land developers, and other organizations co-sponsored American Wetlands Month. Co- sponsors are listed on Appendix I. Co-sponsors across the nation from New England to the southeast to the Pacific northwest and places in between sponsored activities and events in support of American wetlands Month. These activities included public proclamations, outreach and education efforts, field trips into wetlands, public recognition of local wetlands, and other types of activities to involve and inform people about wetlands. American Wetlands Month was intended to recognize and celebrate wetlands nationwide. Co-sponsors supported activities within their areas so that people could appreciate the wetland resources in their neighborhoods and could become involved in local efforts to protect local wetland areas. Events varied widely across the country. (See Appendix II—listing of activities hosted by co-sponsors.) Events were geared toward increasing public knowledge of wetlands values and functions and getting people out into a local wetlands so that people could appreciate the beauty and value of wetlands. Co-sponsors were encouraged to talk to local government officials about their interest in wetlands protection and to encourage local protection efforts. Events varied greatly depending on the interest, membership and imagination of the co-sponsor, simple and elaborate events and celebrations occurred. Some events were developed specifically for American Wetlands Month; other previously scheduled events had wetlands components added to them. ------- 5 An American Wetlands Month brochure was developed for co- sponsors to distribute. Nearly 100,000 copies of this brochure were distributed during the month of May. The brochure described the varied values and functions of wetlands, it listed the American Wetlands Month co-sponsors, and presented some ideas or suggestions for people to become involved in wetlands protection. These included developing government resolutions in support of American Wetlands Month, enjoying local wetlands, organizing a local group to protect wetlands in the local area, reading about wetlands, talking to local elected officials about the importance of wetlands, looking into government wetlands protection programs, and publicizing American Wetlands Month. The Governors of Missouri, Oregon, and South Carolina issued proclamations in support of American Wetlands Month. Many local governments also enacted resolutions in support* of American Wetlands Month. These include the Tualatin City Council (Oregon), the City of Lake Oswego (Oregon), Eugene City Council (Oregon), Lane County Board of Commissioners (Oregon), City of Fairfax Board of Supervisors (Virginia), and the City of Greenville (North Carolina). The Board of the American Planning Association unanimously passed a resolution declaring May "American Wetlands Month." The American Planning Association is the national nonprofit professional association serving the planning field; its central objective is to advance the art, science, and practice of all aspects of planning. Many co-sponsors distributed the American Wetlands Month brochures and other materials. Articles about American Wetlands Month were written in various co-sponsor newsletters such as the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources' Outdoor Report. South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) newsletter, the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Districts' newsletter, and the National Water Resources Association's Water Report and National Water Line. The North American Lake Management Society publicized American Wetlands Month in Lake Line. An article about American Wetlands Month appeared in the May/June issue of Ducks Unlimited magazine. An article about wetlands was published in the Indianapolis City- County Circular which is distributed to every city-county employee. American Wetlands Month received television coverage in that EPA re-released a series of James Michener narrated Wetlands Public Service Announcements (PSA's). These PSA's illustrated various values and functions of wetlands. The Mississippi Department of wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks ran PSA's on wetlands values on a local ABC affiliate. Segments about wetlands appeared on "Earth Watch" on local television in South Carolina. The Northwest Michigan Council of Governments was interviewed about wetlands on a public radio station. Tip of the Mitt Watershed Counsel participated in a TV talk show to provide
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6
information on how the public could help in wetlands protection
and supported PSA's on radio.
Several co-sponsors hosted events that encouraged people to
visit wetlands. For example, Mississippi Department of Wildlife,
Fisheries, and Parks held special interpretive field trips at
Horn Island. Oregon Division of State Lands help sponsor and
support other grouos to host tours of wetlands, refuges, and
estuaries. Soutfr* -a Department of Health and Environmental
Control (DHEC) he.r-_ . rf at the Francis Beidler Forest held
special explorations for children. The Lane Council of
Governments (Oregon) prepared tours of wetlands for the Eugene,
Springfield, and Lane County Planning Commissioners. The Anne
Arundel Sierra Club (Maryland) sponsored tours in the Patuxent
River Wildlife Refuge. The Tip of the Mitt Watershed Counsel
participated at the "Backyard Eco Conference" and sponsored trips
to a typical bog, marsh, and swamp. The Tip of the Mitt
Watershed Counsel also sponsored wetlands walks to demonstrate
values and functions of wetlands. The Galien River Watershed
Council sponsored five ecology canoe trips of the Galien River
wetlands. Tours of wetlands, refuges, and estuaries were
sponsored by various groups in the State of Oregon.
Many co-sponsors developed events to provide information to
the general public on wetland values and functions. For example,
the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks set
up a wetlands display at a local mall. The City of Indianapolis
set up a wetlands information exhibit in the lobby of the City-
County Building. The display included a map locating the
counties largest wetlands. The Wisconsin Department of Natural
Resources posted American Wetlands Month information in the DNR
Visitor Information Center.
Information on wetland values and functions was provided to
school children. EPA's Office of Wetlands Protection sponsored a
children's play written and performed by the National Children's
Theater for the Environment through a grant to the Environmental
Health Center of the National Safety Council. The play "Willa in
Wetlands" was performed in elementary schools in the Washington,
DC metropolitan area and illustrated the importance of wetlands.
A teacher's guide ("A Guide for a wetlands Jouney") was prepared
to accompany the play. EPA's Atlanta and Dallas Regional Offices
visited schools to make presentations on wetlands. The Governor
of South Carolina sent letters to school districts which resulted
in several presentations on wetlands to school groups. FISH
(Fishermen Involved in Saving Habitat) released posters,
background information, and teacher guides in support of American
Wetlands Month. The Mississippi Department of Wildlife,
Fisheries, and Parks presented wetland programs to various
school, civic, and private sector groups.
These are just a sampling of the many activities held
------- 7 nationwide in support of the first annual American Wetlands Month. A complete listing can be found in Appendix II. Future Celebrations May 1992 will be the second annual American Wetlands Month celebration. EPA and other co-sponsors are beginning to plan for this event. We encourage you to begin thinking about and planning for activities you may want to sponsor or host in sponsoring and celebration of American Wetlands Month. We anticipate that the second American Wetlands Month will be even more successful that the first effort. Co-sponsors of last year's events will try to build on momentum and ideas from last year. Mew co-sponsors can take ideas from last year's celebration and build upon them to suit their needs, interests, and capabilities. We look forward to hearing from you about American Wetlands Month and any ideas or suggestions you might have for the May 1992 celebration. The Terrene Institute in Washington, DC, in cooperation with EPA's Wetlands Division, will coordinate the second annual American Wetlands Month. The Terrene Institute is a nonprofit research and education organization involved in environmental issues. They can be contacted at: Terrene Institute 1000 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 802 Washington, DC 20036 202-833-8317 Any questions about becoming a co-sponsor, brochures, potential activities or American Wetlands Month should be directed to Judy Taggart of the Terrene Institute or to Glenn Eugster of EPA's Wetlands Division. Glenn Eugster U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Wetlands Division (A-104F) Wetlands Strategies and State Programs Branch 401 M Street, SW Washington, DC 20460 202-260-6045 May 1992 JUIBItXCAN WETLANDS KOHTH ------- 8 AMERICAN WBTLAND8 MONTH CO-8PON0ORB Appendix I FEDERAL Corps of Engineers Environmental Protection Agency Coastal America Office of Wetlands Protection Regional Offices Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Habitat Conservation Division of Refuges North American Waterfowl and Wetlands Office National Park Service Soil Conservation Service §SMS& Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control Illinois Department of Conservation Louisiana Mississippi Bureau of Marine Resources South Carolina Oregon Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions Broward County, FL Eugene, OR Indianapolis, IN Northwest Michigan Council of Governments Novi, MI STATE ASSOCIATIONS Association of State Floodplain Managers Association of State Wetland Managers National Association of State River Conservation Programs QTBBR QflGMflgATIOBB American Fisheries Society American Planning Association American Water Resources Association Arvida Company Atlantic Center for the Environment Audubon Naturalists Society of the Central Atlantic States Audubon Society of Portland, OR B.A.S.S., Inc« Ducks Unlimited Environmental Institute, University of Massachusetts Environmental Law Institute Fishermen Involved in Saving Habitat (FISH) Galien River Watershed Council ------- 9 Galveston Bay Foundation Izaak Walton League of America Lake Michigan Federation Michigan United Conservation Clubs National Audubon Society National Water Resources Association National Coalition for Marine Conservation National Wildlife Federation North American Lake Management Society Ocean Alliance Sierra Club Soil and Water Conservation Society Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council Trout Unlimited Wetlands Conservation Association Wildlife Trust of North America ------- 10 Appendix II 7ZD2RAL US EPA Office of Wetlands Protection Sponsored a children's play performed by The National Children's Theater for the Environment through a grant to the Environmental Health Center of the National Safety Council. "Willa in Wetlands" as performed in elementary schools in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. The play illustrated the importance of vetlands for children in grades K to 4. VS EPA Rqqlon iv (Atlanta Contacted local media to request they run a series on identification and functions of vetlands in Georgia. Letter sent to the Governor and Director or Environmental Commission in each State announcing American Wetlands Month. • Visited schools to do presentations on wetland values. Article addressing some of the more frequently asked questions regarding farming in wetland areas was complied and published in the May issue of the Mississippi Farm Bureau's "Producer .-iper." Distributed American Wetlands Month packets. Distributed copies of the video "Fabulous Wetlands" to regional co-sponsors of American Wetlands Month. Publicized American Wetlands Month within the EPA regional office. US EPA Region VI (Dallas! The Wetlands Program has been active in making presentations to special interest groups and school children to educate them on the importance of vetlands. Conducted "road shows" for the agricultural community and real estate developers. Completing a video on wetlands in Louisiana. Produced a wetlands coloring book for children. Department the Interior Plvlalqn Qt Re fugs a (VS Flah and wjjflUfe Service) The Division distributed American Wetlands Month materials to their seven Regional Offices. Other activities sponsored by the Division of Refuges included exhibits displayed at several Wetland Management District offices concerning vetlands and restoration projects and educational programs conducted throughout the month at refuge visitor centers used wetlands as the theme. ------- 11 STATE Mississippi Department of Wildlife. Fisheries, and Parks Paid for air time to run PSA's which explain values of wetlands on WLOX Channel 13 (ABC affiliate), Biloxi. Presented programs on wetlands to various schools, civic, and private sector groups. Special interpretive field trips were conducted by BMR staff at Horn Island for members of The Nature Conservancy, the National Park Service, and a local Citizens Advisory Group. Placed a display with information, brochures, and articles regarding wetlands in Edgewater Mall. Oregon Division of State Lands Proclamation by Governor Barbara Roberts declaring May 1991 American Wetlands Month in Oregon Resolution by Oregon Chapter, American Planning Association, declaring May 1991 American Wetlands Month Governor Roberts recognized John Broome and Althea Pratt- Broome for their outstanding work for The Wetlands Conservancy Tours of wetlands, refuges, and estuaries sponsored throughout state by various groups Wetlands displays sponsored throughout state by various groups. * Films and videos about wetlands sponsored throughout state by various groups. Resolution by Tualatin City Council supporting American Wetlands Month and proclaiming May as Tualatin Wetlands Month. Resolution by City of Lake Oswego declaring May 1991 as American Wetlands Month. South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control Proclamation by South Carolina Governor Carroll A. Campbell, Jr. declaring May as Wetlands Month in the State of South Carolina. Distributed news releases about Wetlands Month. For Your Information (FYI) fact sheets about wetlands were distributed. American Wetlands Month was the lead article in the May Newsletter of the SC Department of Health and Environmental Control. Segments about wetlands on "Earth Watch" on local television stations. Wetlands Identification and Delineation course for State employees was taught by staff of SC Department of Health and Environmental Control and SC Land Resources Conservation Commission May 14-16. ------- 12 Update of public information slide show on "Wetlands in South Carolina" by staff of several State agencies. Letter to school districts from the Governor's Office, Division of Energy, Agriculture, and Natural Resources, which resulted in several presentations on wetlands to school groups. SC Department of Health and Environmental Control advised personnel at Congaree National Monument and National Audubon Society, Francis Beidler Forest at Four Holes Swamp about Wetlands Month. Francis Beidler Forest issued news release and offered special explorations for children each Sunday in May. State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources State Representative Spencer Black sponsored a citation recognizing the contributions of the Wisconsin Wetlands Association. News releases in Outdoor Report. DNR's weekly compilation of news stories and outdoor recreation information. The Report is distributed to over 1,000 newspapers, radio and TV stations in Wisconsin and surrounding States. American Wetlands Month brochures distributed to field offices and environmental centers throughout the State. Posted "Wetlands Month" banners and Wisconsin's "Wetland Year" posters in DNR's Visitor Information Center. LOCAL GOVERNMENTS Citv of Indianapolis Department of Public work's Community Services Division prepared an informational flier regarding local wetlands. This flier explains the benefit of wetlands and details the location of several local wetlands. A wetlands information exhibit was located in the lobby of the City-County Building for the entire month of May. The display included a map of Marion County wetlands with corresponding pictures. The map located 11 of the county's largest wetlands; listed the benefits wetlands provide to the residents of Marion County; a schematic drawing detailing the different types of wetlands; a list of co- sponsors for American Wetlands Month; a wetlands question and answer fact sheet; a "May is American Wetlands Month" summary sheet; and a phone number for additional information. This exhibit is now located in a glass display case in front of the Flood Control Division's office which is centrally located in downtown Indianapolis. An article about wetlands was published in the City-County Circular which is distributed to every city-county employee. ------- 13 Wetlands informational packets were distributed to each City-County Councilor, each City Department Director, and all Administrators, all managers within the Department of Public Works. Lane Council of Governments (Oregon) Eugene City Council and the Lane County Board of Commissioners passed resolutions declaring May as local wetlands months. The draft West Eugene Wetlands and the metropolitan-wide Natural Resources Special Studies were released for public review. A citizen workshop and a joint public hearing before the Eugene, Springfield, and Lane County Planning Commissions were conducted on these studies. In mid-May the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that the Amazon River corridor has been selected as a demonstration site for its national wetlands research program. Provided sample articles suitable for publication in neighborhood and other similar newsletter. Several newspapers included articles about wetlands events. Developed simple wetlands handouts for many of the meetings and tours scheduled such as West Eugene Wetlands self-guided tour brochure, "What is a Wetland?", and "Why are Wetlands Important?" Developed a calendar of events scheduled in support of American Wetlands Month. Prepared tour of wetlands for the Eugene, Springfield, and Lane County Planning Commissioners. Sponsored Kelly Pond Clean-up. Massachusetts Association of Conservation Districts Included a full page write up on American Wetlands Month in the MACC Newsletter. Distributed brochures. Northwest Michigan Council of Governments Distributed American Wetlands Month packets. Provided model wetlands ordinances to township and village officials. Contacted local media and were interviewed on WIAA, a public radio station. OTHER ORGANI2ATIOH American Planning Association APA Board unanimously passed a resolution declaring May "American Wetlands Month". The resolution specifically: encourages all planners to have their planning commissions adopted wetlands resolutions and have resolutions forwarded to appropriate State and Federal officials. ------- 14 calls upon APA chapters to sponsor meetings to educate its members on the importance of wetlands and the need to protect valuable wetland functions as part of the planning and development process. calls upon planners to publicize successful State or local initiatives to preserve wetlands. Distributed American Wetlands Month information to APA leadership including 45 chapter presidents across the country. Ducks Unlimited Distributed American Wetlands Month information packets to over 300 of DU's staff and senior volunteers in all States. Short article about American Wetlands Month appeared in the May/June issue of DU magazine (circulation 600,000.) Participated in three wildlife habitat project dedication ceremonies in May in Delaware, Illinois and Ohio. Environmental Law Institute Presented second annual National Wetlands Protection Awards to seven individuals selected to represent State and local government, private sector and business. These people were selected because of their outstanding contributions to wetlands protection. FISH fFishermen Involved In Saving Habitat) Released posters, press releases, background information, and teacher guides in support of American Wetlands Month. Galveston Bav Foundation Distributed American Wetlands Month brochures and other information at Earth Day (May 4) and at Bay Day (May 25-26) celebrations. izaaK wqit------- 15 sierra c;ufr Mailed out more than 500 fliers and background information about American wetlands Month to our volunteer leadership. Sent packets of information about American Wetlands Month to Sierra Club members who requested additional information. Carried an article in Sierra magazine about "Swamp Squad" wetlands watch program. Distributing a 12-minute video "Farming with Wetlands" that explains how farmers can use the US FWS and USOA wetlands program to benefit wildlife and protect wetlands on their property. Sierra Club (Anne Arundel Group) Sponsored Patuxent River Wildlife Refuge Outdoor Wetlands Workshop held May 18 in Laurel, MD Activities included a 20 minute film presentation, 2.5 mile hike, and a short van tour of the Refuge. The group hiked along the Patuxent River floodplain and participated in identification and delineation of wetlands. Tip of the Mitt Watershed Counsel Sponsored wetlands walks to demonstrate values and functions of wetlands. Prepared a press release highlighting the events Tip of the Mitt sponsored in support of American Wetlands Month. Supported PSA's on radio. Participated on a TV talk show to let the public know what they could do to help wetlands protection. Sent out information about wetlands to the Michigan Wetlands Protection Action Coalition. On May 18 participated at the "Backyard Eco Conference", sponsored trips to a typical bog, marsh and swamp. Trout Unlimited Distributed American Wetlands Month packets to State Council Chairmen for further distribution to the chapter level. HOH-CO-SPONSOR8 WHO SUPPORTED EVENTS State of Kentucky Governor Wilkenson of Kentucky responded to notification of American Wetlands Month with a commitment to produce a series of press released to educate the public about wetland values. State of Missouri Governor issued a proclamation declaring May American Wetlands Month.------- 16 County of Fairfax (Virginia) Proclamation by Board of Supervisor proclaiming May 1991 as Wetlands Month. Galien River Watershed Council Sponsored five Ecology Canoe Trips of the Galien River wetlancs. Sponsored a photography canoe trip. Citv of Greenville (Worth Carolina) Proclamation from the Office of the Mayor designating May 1991 as American Wetlands Month.------- |