Fish, waterfowl, reptiles, amphibians and rare native plants would lose their remaining natural habitats through more coastal real estate development, the need for prime farmland and other threats. If there was hope of saving the wetlands, a master plan was needed. Wetlands are precious natural assets that provide many different benefits to people, animals and plant life. They act as a water purification system, providing a natural filter for contaminants and excessive nutrients, improving water quality and renewing water supplies. They are a vital nesting, feeding and staging habitat for many species of waterfowl, reptiles and amphibians.
Wetlands protect shorelines from erosion, and act as a reservoir to control and reduce flooding.
They are a source of oxygen, a high-quality nursery and spawning area for many species of fish, and a haven for rare native plants and animals. Initiated through Environment Canada, the action plan involves the coordinated effort of government and non-government groups, and citizens of the Great Lakes basin. Also, the marsh monitoring program has made important progress. They're checking for changes in population, types of species in the area, and changes in habitat. Nancy also cites numerous habitat rehabilitation projects in partnership with Environment Canada's Great Lakes 2000 Cleanup Fund throughout the Great Lakes basin.