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and human urbanization destroyed wetlands without regard for the consequences. In the name of progress our reckless ambitions seemed blinded and development projects,( such as subdivisions, shopping malls and business parks), dikes and levees along rivers to divert flood waters, logging, mining and road construction all contributed to the destruction of this vital biome. Now only approximately 100 million acres of wetlands still exist in the continental United States, 180 million acres in Alaska and 52,000 acres in Hawaii (Audubon 2007).

The dire results of wetland loss involve America loosing its essential Watershed, and with that many wildlife habitats thus endangering numerous wildlife species. Another extremely important function of wetlands is their role in regulating the salinity and fertility of estuaries and coastal zones. We should not forget that they are essential in helping prevent flooding when areas are inundated by storms, such as hurricanes (let us learn from Katrina) for they help handle the water runoff.

The economical costs of loosing our wetlands are tremendous:

1) It costs much more to restore or recreate a wetland than to preserve it.

2) The loss to fisheries would be in the millions with no wetlands.

3) The loss of dollars to the tourist industry (fishing, hunting, camping) in the millions and millions of dollars.

4) The cost in human life and reconstruction after storms (such as Katrina) is astronomical.

5) Poor stewardship of the wetlands will cost the lives of countless animal species and most likely the wrath of our children and grandchildren, because we did nothing to stop the reckless desecration.

"Of the original 215 million acres of wetlands existing 200 years ago in the continental United States, less than 100 million acres remain."
(National Audubon Society)

We must elect congressmen and women who will serve the best interest of the nation and our resources not people owned by special interest groups and corporate greed. These elected officials must be stewards or our American Resources for all the reason spoken here.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead

www.audubon.org
www.epa.gov
www.wikipedia.org

Learn more about this author, Pam Uher.
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