Through these programs, we can greatly increase the success rate of wetland mitigation projects and support the work of our local conservation partners, while providing a way for land developers to fulfill their permit obligations. Wetlands are some of the most productive ecological systems in Illinois. Distinguished by unique characteristics of soils, plants, and hydrology, wetlands types include bogs, fens, marshes, wet meadows, wooded wetlands, and swamps. They provide habitat and food for fish and wildlife. Wetlands, especially the drier types, also hold large amounts of storm water and help control floods.
Flooding is less severe in watersheds where the wetlands have been preserved.
Wetlands also help maintain water quality in our lakes and streams by trapping and removing pollutants, preventing them from reaching downstream water bodies. There are over 99,000 acres of wetlands in the six counties of Northeast Illinois. The area is fortunate to have a greater percentage of natural wetlands remaining than much of the rest of the state. Unfortunately, that percentage is still decreasing annually. Much of the early loss of wetlands was due to tile drains installed to allow farmers to cultivate more of their land.