In fact, there is a net loss of U.S. wetlands by 500,000 acres per year. And this remnant has major historical significance. These huge ancient water flows altered stream beds and made this floodplain the second widest west of the Mississippi River. If we were to pave over any wetlands anywhere for this Trafficway, the Haskell-Baker Wetlands would certainly not be the preferred choice. They are a very special place.
Wetlands are also a very valuable place.
Wetlands, by definition, purify water as one of nature's best filters. Considering the massive amounts of pollutants humans pump into our eco-sphere each day, the toxic runoff alone warrants hydrating more wetlands, not diminishing them. Lawrence's extreme growth rate has outpaced our sewage infrastructure, and much of the system is over capacity. Like many communities have done, Lawrence could wisely utilize constructed wetlands, either open or enclosed, to purify a portion of our wastewater. Such a use of constructed wetlands could benefit Lawrence through flexibility of infrastructure planning, as well as by sizable financial savings.