Wetlands are areas saturated by surface or ground water, with vegetation adapted for life under those conditions. These areas include swamps, bogs, fens, marshes and estuaries. Wetlands are among the most biologically productive natural ecosystems in the world, providing shelter and food to diverse species. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that up to 43% of threatened and endangered species rely directly or indirectly on wetlands for their survival. EPA works with local authorities and community groups to protect wetlands through integrated surface and ground-water protection programs. These programs focus on a variety of conservation and protection efforts, including flood control, water supply management, protection of fish and wildlife, control of stormwater, and nonpoint source pollution.
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