Wetlands survey crucial
Published 12:00 am Tuesday, July 24, 2001
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Tuesday, July 24, 2001
The importance of wetlands, for the health and sustainability of the landscape in the Midwest is well-documented.
For many years, a host of government and private programs have been put into place to protect wetlands. Work has also been under way to restore many wetlands in Minnesota, and throughout the region.
A recent report, however, highlights the fact that no one really knows how successful these efforts have been.
A federal report indicates that efforts to restore and maintain wetlands throughout the country might not be working, but officials have almost no hard data to support this claim.
In Minnesota, agencies have a goal of ‘no net loss’ in wetlands. Officials admit, however, that they don’t really know whether or not this goal is being met.
A study in 1992 estimated that 10.6 million acres of wetlands remain in Minnesota from an original 20 million acres. Officials guess that the trend of wetland destruction is being reversed.
But without accurate surveys, it’s impossible to know for sure just where the state stands on maintaining these vital areas.
In addition to providing wildlife habitat, wetlands are a natural defense against flooding. Recent experience in this part of the state highlights the importance of wetland areas.
It’s difficult to work to solve the question of disappearing wetlands if you don’t know the scope of the problem.
A comprehensive, independent study is vital to give officials a place to start in continuing this important work.
– Owatonna People’s Press, Sunday, July 8