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| Wetlands In Danger | |
 What are Wetlands?
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 Most of the loss of Wetlands worldwide is a direct consequence of the role that man has had in shaping the land through agriculture and urban development. Experts estimate that 50 percent of the Wetlands that once existed have disappeared. In the U.S. alone, some 54 percent (360,000 square miles) of Wetlands which once existed are believed to be lost, and in some states the percent is even higher. About 80 percent of the loss of Wetlands in the United States was to agriculture. Until recently, the conversion and destruction of Wetlands was actively supported by the U.S. government. Under the Swamp Land Acts of the 1800's, which promoted leveeing and draining to destroy mosquito-infested Wetlands, over 100,000 square miles of Wetlands were lost. Wetland Threats include: world population explosion, acid rain and other industrial, agricultural and residential pollutants, dams and irrigation methods Despite valiant conservation efforts, Wetlands are still being drained, filled and polluted today. As the many benefits of Wetlands are discovered and rediscovered, people must continue to study and preserve our precious Wetland habitats. |