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Congress Unites for Wetlands

From: Pat Maxwell
Series: December 2006 - Isla Earth Radio Series
Length: 01:34

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world. But since European settlers first arrived on American shores, more than half of the original wetlands in what is now the United States have been destroyed. Read the full description.

Piece Audio

Playing: Congress Unites for Wetlands
From: Pat Maxwell

Default-piece-image-1 Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world. But since European settlers first arrived on American shores, more than half of the original wetlands in what is now the United States have been destroyed. Today, though, Congress has recognized the value of these ecosystems and is working to protect what remains of America?s wetlands. The Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program was established in 2002 to restore and protect wetlands. The program has enjoyed bipartisan support, and more than 177 million dollars have been invested in 119 conservation projects in 25 of the nation?s coastal states. Completed projects include the 51-acre Village Point on Mobile Bay in Alabama, the 160-acre Holly Grove Swamp in Maryland, and 142 acres on Tillamook Bay in Oregon. You can help restore wetlands, too. Simply write to your senators and . representatives and ask them to support efforts to protect and restore them. Consider joining a conservation group that focuses on wetland restoration, too. We can all play a role in restoring America?s wetlands -- one of the nation?s ecological treasures.

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Piece Description

Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world. But since European settlers first arrived on American shores, more than half of the original wetlands in what is now the United States have been destroyed. Today, though, Congress has recognized the value of these ecosystems and is working to protect what remains of America?s wetlands. The Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program was established in 2002 to restore and protect wetlands. The program has enjoyed bipartisan support, and more than 177 million dollars have been invested in 119 conservation projects in 25 of the nation?s coastal states. Completed projects include the 51-acre Village Point on Mobile Bay in Alabama, the 160-acre Holly Grove Swamp in Maryland, and 142 acres on Tillamook Bay in Oregon. You can help restore wetlands, too. Simply write to your senators and . representatives and ask them to support efforts to protect and restore them. Consider joining a conservation group that focuses on wetland restoration, too. We can all play a role in restoring America?s wetlands -- one of the nation?s ecological treasures.