Wetlands and People Because wetlands are so productive and because they greatly influence the flow and quality of water, they are valuable to us. Wetlands furnish a wealth of natural products, including fish, timber, wild rice, and furs. Trees and other wetland vegetation help slow floodwaters. This combined action, storage and slowing, can lower flood heights and reduce the water's erosive potential. Wetlands help improve water quality, including that of drinking water, by intercepting surface runoff and removing or retaining its nutrients, processing organic wastes, and reducing sediment before it reaches open water.
Wetlands provide opportunities for popular activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating.