Maybe part of our current and future problems with clean water, fish supplies, and clean air are related to how we make decisions to protect our natural resources. Maybe vegetation along a creek bank, trees next to rivers and streams and forests in general do contribute to helping to keep the ground water clean, liveable for fish and help keep the air clean too.
Wetlands absorb and storm stormwater flows, which reduces flood velocities and streambank erosion.
After storms, many wetlands augment summer stream flows by slowly releasing the stored water back to the stream system. Wetlands provide essential food chaing support to small organisms that in turn feed fish, wildlife and humans. Millions of waterfowl, shorebirds and other birds depend on wetlands for their food, cover and reproductive support. Wetlands are highly effective at removing nitrogen, phosphorous, some chemicals, heavy metals, and other pollutants from water. Wetlands can also provide opportunities for fishing, hunting, plant identification and wildlife observations.