In Minnesota, an estimated 11 million acres of wetlands have been drained or filled over the last hundred years, leaving about 10 million acres. While this represents a 50 percent loss statewide, some areas of Minnesota have lost more than 90 percent of their original wetlands. Wetlands reduce flooding by slowing excess water runoff during times of heavy rainfall Wetlands improve water quality by filtering sediments, nutrients and toxic substances out of water before it washes into rivers and lakes. Wetlands provide habitat for many fish, wildlife and plants, some of which can only survive in wetlands. Wetlands provide opportunities for recreation such as canoeing, hunting, hiking, fishing, and birding.
Wetlands offer commercial uses like growing wild rice or cranberries and trapping animals.
Wetlands are important outdoor science and art classrooms and laboratories. A growing awareness of these benefits has led to many laws regulating wetland draining and filling, as well as the discharge of pollutants into wetlands. The DNR administers the Public Waters Work Permit Program on certain lakes, watercourses and wetlands in Minnesota. Local governments may also have their own wetland ordinances. Under stipulations contained in the Federal Agricultural Improvement and Reform Act, a landuser who alters a wetland for agricultural purposes loses eligibility for many usda benefits including the Conservation Reserve Program, federal farm loans, price support programs, etc.