Soil erosion intensifies with the increasing pace of the water. Rich top soil picked up by the water no longer spreads out along flood plains. Wetlands are also tremendous purifying basins, according to Weller. They absorb pollutants dumped in the water upstream and act as a natural filtering system for chemicals and wastes. Some cities actually use wetlands as part of their sewage treatment system.
Wetlands are reservoirs for nutrients which supply other ecosystems such as the ocean.
Studies have shown that the level of productivity of shrimp and finfish in an ocean is directly related to the nutrient producing capability of its coastal marshlands. OK, I can see their overall importance, but that sure doesn't help me out. Managing instead of cussing a wetland can be both esthetically and economically beneficial. The abundance of wildlife attracted by wetlands is a tremendous recreational resource. With proper management, the landowner can encourage vegetation attractive to waterfowl, creating a prolific game reserve and enhancing the esthetic and economic value of the wetland.