Here is a short list of environmental benefits that wetlands provide:

• flood control

• habitat for many fish, wildlife, and plant species (Many endangered species inhabit wetlands or wetlands play an important part of their life cycle).

• maintenance of water quality

• water storage

• shoreline protection

• maintenance of biological diversity

• active ground water discharge and recharge sites

• recreational opportunities (hunting, trapping, wildlife viewing, ricing)

• education

• artistic expression

• aesthetics and open space