Guest editorial

Excerpt

Wetlands are among our nation's most critical and productive natural resources. They are the vital link between land and water and are essential to the healthy functioning of watersheds and aquatic ecosystems. Wetlands provide a multitude of services to society, are the basis of hundreds of thousands of jobs, and contribute billions of dollars to the economy. They protect private property from flooding and provide shoreline erosion control. They are critical areas for protection and recharge of aquifers that provide drinking water for communities across the country.

Wetlands are primary habitat for wildlife, fish, and waterfowl, and as such provide opportunities for recreation, education, and research as well as the basis for many economic activities. Waterfowl hunters spend over $600 million annually in their pursuit of wetlands-dependent birds, and wetlands contribute over $15 billion annually to our economy from fisheries.

Protection and restoration of wetlands reduces the amount of polluted runoff entering surface water and provides other benefits throughout watersheds, including improved aquatic habitats and flood water control. For example, forested riparian wetlands along the river's edge provide important sediment stabilization, habitat corridors for aquatic and terrestrial species, and water quality improvement by reducing nutrient …