What Can You Do?

Despite the efforts of governments and private conservation organizations, pressures that destroy wetlands will continue. The problems of degradation of wetlands from pollution, urban encroachment, groundwater withdrawals, partial drainage, and other actions also require attention.

Many opportunities exist for private citizens, corporations, government agencies, and other groups to work together to slow the rate of wetland loss and to improve the quality of our remaining wetlands. First, state and local governments need to be encouraged to establish programs to effectively protect wetlands, especially inland wetlands, within their borders. Second, because individual landowners and corporations own many of the nation's wetlands, they are in a key position to determine the fate of wetlands on their properties. Finally, all citizens, whether or not they own wetlands, can help protect wetlands by supporting wetlands conservation initiatives.

Wetlands are an important part of our national heritage. Our economic well-being and quality of life largely depend on our nation's wealth of natural resources, and wetlands are the vital link between our land and water resources. As wetlands are lost, the remaining wetlands become even more valuable. We have already lost many of our nation's wetlands since America was first settled. We must now take positive steps to protect wetlands to ensure that the functions and related values they provide will be preserved for present and future generations.

How Can I Make a Difference?

• Get involved find out where wetlands exist near your home, try to learn more about them, and support educational efforts.
• Support wetlands and watershed protection initiatives by public agencies and private organizations.
• Purchase federal duck stamps from your local post office to support wetland acquisition.
• Participate in the Clean Water Act Section 404 program and state regulatory programs by reviewing public notices and, in appropriate cases, commenting on permit applications.
• Encourage neighbors, developers, and state and local governments to protect the function and value of wetlands in your watershed.
• Rather than draining or filling wetlands, seek compatible uses involving minimal wetland alteration, such as waterfowl production, fur harvest, hay and forage, wild rice production, hunting and trapping leases, and selective timber harvest.
• Select upland rather than wetlands sites for development projects and avoid wetland alteration or degradation during project construction.
• Maintain wetlands and adjacent buffer strips as open space.
• Learn more about wetland restoration activities in your area; seek and support opportunities to restore degraded wetlands.
• In New England, participate in EPA's "Adopt-a-Wetland" program.