We
are ALL connected to wetlands! Some of us live near them,
and some of us visit them. Still others are connected to wetlands
by way of the storm drains in their streets. Storm water that
flows into these drains, later flows into streams and rivers,
then on, into wetlands. Litter and oil that is carelessly
dropped in the streets will follow this same direct path to
wetlands.
Wetlands Distribution
Circa 1780's
Wetlands Distribution Circa 1980's
Percentage
of Wetland in each state:
1 to 5
5 to12
12 to 25
25 to 50
50 and up
Nationally,
we have lost more than half of our wetlands! Most of this
depletion occurred in the last century, due to draining, and
development of the land for homes, farms, businesses and highways.
By 1995, only 46% of our original wetland acreage remained
in the continental United States.
This loss has, of course, had a negative impact upon the wildlife
that relies on wetlands for survival. When plants and animals
are faced with smaller places to live, they begin to die,
and can even become extinct.
The
loss of these wetlands has also had a measurable negative
financial impact on the citizens of this country. A discussion
on this topic follows.
1 to 5 
5 to12 
12 to 25 
25 to 50 
50 and up
P.O. Box 333 Folcroft, PA 19032-0333