Over half of the wetlands in the United States has been lost to development, agriculture, draining and filling. The biodiversity of wetlands makes them among the most important of all of our ecosystems when it comes to wildlife. More than 10,000 species, or 20 percent of the world's freshwater fish, have become extinct, threatened, or endangered in recent years due to the loss of wetlands in many cases. When wetlands are lost, amphibians, fish and many species of birds are at high risk in many areas in the United States. Wetlands can store water during floods which slows the release and reduces erosion.
Wetlands are sources of ground and surface water for domestic and agriculture needs.
They can filter excess nutrients such as nitrates, chemical contaminants and remove sediments. Many of these functions are in place and are provided to the public at no additional cost. Wetlands are places of aesthetic value for photography, nature walks and environmental education. Wetlands can be seen at a number of places. They are often along rivers and streams and in urban settings such as parks.