Nine of Nebraska's 11 Federal endangered and threatened species use wetland areas. Wetlands also provide important winter cover for pheasants and other upland wildlife. Wetlands slow overland water flows, reducing soil erosion along water courses downstream. Reduce flooding Many wetlands store water temporarily, allowing the water to percolate into the ground or evaporate. The temporary storage reduces the peak water flow after a storm.
Wetlands are reservoirs for rainwater and runoff.
Many also release the water they catch slowly into the ground. Enjoy the outdoors A growing part of society is interested in, and at times willing to pay for, wetland recreation opportunities such as wildlife watching, and hunting. The ecological diversity of wetlands offers one of the most beautiful and aesthetically pleasing features of any landscape. Since 1994, Nebraska landowners have participated in WRP, submitting over 250 applications for a total of more than 25,000 ac. The Wetlands Reserve Program offers landowners the opportunity to receive a substantial payment for lands that are difficult to farm.