New Figures Reflect Slight Gains in Wetlands Restoration
Wetlands improve water quality by filtering nutrients and sediment from surface run-off, and aid in flood control by storing water and buffering wave action.
October 2006 -- Wetlands were once viewed as nothing more than obstacles to agriculture and development. They've been drained, filled and dredged to shape them for human uses. It is estimated that since the 1600s, the United States has converted over 100 million acres of wetlands to other land uses.
Science has shown us that wetlands play an important role in many ecological functions. They improve water quality by filtering nutrients and sediment from surface run-off, and aid in flood control by storing water and buffering wave action. Recognizing the vital need to restore wetlands, the Bay Program set a goal to create or reestablish 25,000 acres of wetlands within the watershed by 2010.
According to recently compiled numbers, Bay Program partners created 584 acres of wetlands, and restored over 9,878 acres between 1998 and 2005. “Creating” wetlands refers to forming a wetland where there previously wasn't one. An example of this is re-shaping an upland site to make it suitable for wetland plants. “Restored” wetlands are areas that were historically marshes or swamps, but had been converted to another land use, such as farming. By reestablishing the farm's hydrology, a wetland can form once again.
While creating and restoring over 10,000 acres of wetlands in the Bay watershed is significant, there is still much work to be done to achieve the 25,000 acre goal by 2010.