These areas range in character from the majestic cypress swamps of the southern United States to shallow, unimpressive depressions which hold water at most only a few weeks out of the year.
Wetlands are important for many reasons.
Some provide critical habitat for migratory waterfowl, while others check flooding and siltation on our waterways. Some act as filters - removing and sequestering contaminants that might otherwise find their way into our drinking water, while others provide us with recreational opportunities such as fishing and boating. This program explores some of the ways in which wetlands are defined and classified, as well as some of the roles they play in our society and natural environment. Woven throughout this program is information on the current status of wetlands in the United States as determined through the National Wetlands Inventory. Wetlands and the issues that surround them are tremendously complex, consequently the content of this program cannot even begin to do justice to this topic.