LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Wetlands
built 639 days ago
Wetlands are filters where sediments and nutrients accumulate, so many plants grow there, e.g. bulrushes, grasses, reeds, waterlilies, sedges and trees. The plants, in turn, provide food and a place for attachment and shelter for many creatures. There is more life, hectare for hectare, in a healthy wetland than in almost any other habitat. These productive places support huge numbers of insects, fish, birds and other animals. Some animals are completely dependant on wetlands, whilst others use wetlands for only part of their lives. The wattled crane, for example, is dependant on wetlands for breeding.
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Most of the loss of Wetlands worldwide is a direct consequence of the role that man has had in shaping the land through agriculture and urban development. Experts estimate that 50 percent of the Wetlands that once existed have disappeared. In the U.S. alone, some 54 percent (360,000 square miles) of Wetlands which once existed are believed to be lost, and in some states the percent is even higher. About 80 percent of the loss of Wetlands in the United States was to agriculture. Until recently, the conversion and destruction of Wetlands was actively supported by the U.S. government. Under the Swamp Land Acts of the 1800's, which promoted leveeing and draining to destroy mosquito-infested Wetlands, over 100,000 square miles of Wetlands were lost.
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Wetlands have recreational, historical, scientific, and cultural values. More than half of all U.S. adults (98 million) hunt, fish, birdwatch or photograph wildlife. They spend a total of US$59.5 billion annually. Painters and writers continue to capture the beauty of wetlands on canvas and paper, or through cameras, and video and sound recorders. Others appreciate these wonderlands through hiking, boating, and other recreational activities. Almost everyone likes being on or near the water; part of the enjoyment is the varied, fascinating lifeforms.
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Wetlands are ... important in the way they interact with the environment around them. They are natural reservoirs and erosion controllers, and they function as natural sewage systems. When rain sinks into the ground, it is stored in naturally occurring underground depressions. This prevents the water from immediately flowing into streams, rivers, lakes, or the gulf or ocean. The specially adapted plants that live in the wetlands act as flood controllers and as water purifiers. The vegetation slows the water enough so that sediment and chemicals in the water can settle to the bottom.
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As part of a year-long market research survey, Wetlands activists polled comic book fans at Big Apple Comic Book, Art, and Toy Show on June 18th. Additional surveys were conducted on September 10th and 11th. Comic fans filled out survey forms asking if they would support an industry-wide move to recycled paper and whether they would be willing to pay more to make this possible. At the end of the survey, Wetlands reps will be presenting the data to major comic book publishers, asking them to be environmental super heroes and to make the switch to recycled paper. (More)
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Wetlands have been used for centuries as grazing for domestic stock, and as a source of reeds used for thatching, hut construction and basket weaving. They are provide fishing, hunting and the opportunity to observe wildlife, especially birds. Wetlands are appreciated for their beauty as open spaces and ... for their educational value.
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Wetlands