Water Facts:
Between 1850 and 2003, Minnesota’s wetland acreage fell by approximately 50% from 18.6 million to 9.3 million acres.
There are many different types of wetlands. Some wetlands actually appear to be dry for most of the year and might even be covered with trees and shrubs.
A wetland has mostly wet soil, is saturated with water either above or just below the surface and is covered with plants that have adapted to wet conditions.
Wetlands provide the following benefits:
Erosion control. Wetland vegetation reduces erosion along lakes and stream banks by reducing forces associated with wave action.
Fisheries habitat. Many species of fish utilize wetland habitats for spawning, food sources, or protection.
Flood control. Wetlands can slow runoff water, minimizing the frequency streams and rivers reach catastrophic flood levels.
Groundwater recharge and discharge. Some wetlands serve as a source of ground water recharge. By detaining surface waters that would otherwise quickly flow to distant lakes or rivers, the water can percolate into the ground and help ensure long-term supplies of quality ground water. Some wetlands are ground-water discharge areas; they receive ground water even during dry periods. This helps reduce the impact of short-term droughts on rivers and streams.
Pollution filter. By trapping and holding water, wetlands store nutrients and pollutants in the soil, allowing cleaner water to flow in to the body of water beyond or below the wetland. Vegetation, like cattails, can absorb some of the pollutants that remain in the soil. Wetlands also moderate water flows, providing time for sediments to settle out before the water is released to other wetlands, lakes, or streams. Less sediment means clearer waters and a better environment for aquatic life.
Rare species habitat. 43 per cent of threatened or endangered species in the U.S. live in or depend on wetlands. This includes plants and animals.
Recreation. Wetlands are great places to canoe, hunt, fish, or explore and enjoy nature.
Source of income. Wetlands provide economic commodities such as cranberries and fish and provide spatial amenities to developments.
Wildlife habitat. Many animals depend on wetlands for homes and resting spots. Fish, amphibians, reptiles, aquatic insects and certain mammals need wetlands as a place for their young to be born and grow.
Education. Wetlands provide ideal locations for classroom ecological studies and a focus for art.
