25 



Summary 



Marshes, swamps and other wetlands are an asset to 

 society in their natural state. They provide numerous 

 products for man's use and consumption, protect private 

 property and provide recreational and aesthetic apprecia- 

 tion opportunities. Destruction or alteration of wetlands 

 eliminates or minimizes these values. Drainage of wet- 

 lands, for example, eliminates all the beneficial effects of 

 the marsh on water quality and directly contributes to 

 flooding problems (Lee, et al. 1975). While the wetland 

 landowner can derive financial profit from some of the 

 values mentioned, the general public receives the vast 

 majority of wetland benefits through flood and storm 

 damage control, erosion control, water quality improve- 

 ment and fish and wildlife resources. It is. therefore, in 

 the public's best interest to protect wetlands to preserve 

 these values for themselves and future generations. 



USFWS 



Fig. 23. Wetlands provide opportunities for recreational fishing. 



Marshall 



Fig. 24. Many Americans enjoy watching birds in and around wetlands. 



