Because of its rich and plentiful natural resources that can be harnessed, Alabama has come under intense industrialization and environmental degradation in order to further the quality of living for the population. Increasing farmland for better agricultural output, draining wetlands to provide space for housing, or damming up rivers and streams all have an adverse affect on this state’s wetlands. As noted before, nearly half of Alabama’s existing wetlands have been lost in the past 200 years, with a national annual net loss of almost 59,000 acres per year.

In the general public’s mind, we must only protect those things which are beneficial and provide a worthy reason for saving.

The question is: WHY PROTECT THESE WETLANDS?

• Because they provide a natural flood control service?

• Because they control erosion by absorbing storm waters and wave energy?

• Because wetlands act as kidneys by filtering out harmful particles and increasing water quality?

• Because they maintain and protect our atmosphere by trapping would-be harmful greenhouse gases?

• Because they are among the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems?

• Because they provide us with countless natural resources in abundance?

• Because they serve as attractive tourist and recreational spots such as hunting, birdwatching, and boating?

• Or is it because wetlands are an astoundingly stunning landscape that have inspired countless artists and writers as well as offering ample opportunities for scientific research and development?

The answer to all is a resounding “YES!”

This table may help gain an in-depth understanding of what effect altering or destroying a wetland has on its surroundings:

Source:  Wetlands: A Threatened Landscape.  Edited by Michael Williams.  Basil Blackwell Ltd.  
Cambridge, Mass.  1990  pg. 302-303.

Put in layman's terms, tampering with ecosystems as intricate as wetlands can have dire and problematic consequences, ranging from increased chances of flooding to higher water pollution to loss of threatened plant and animal species in the surrounding areas.

Until somewhat recently (mid-1980s), federal legislation encouraged the draining or filling of wetland areas to be put to more "beneficial" agricultural use.  By the time the general public's views of wetlands changed, nearly 117 million acres -- almost half the original total of wetland acreage in the U.S. -- had been lost.  Although policies intended to safeguard wetlands are currently in effect, much debate and confusion still exists as to HOW we can fully and completely protect such a valued landscape.

Whatever the reason why, choose to protect wetlands for our enjoyment, for our economy, for our surroundings, for our future.