Chapter 2 



The Value of Inland Wetlands 



The wetlands of the United States represent an extremely limited 

 resource, comprising about 3.5% of the entire country, excluding 

 Alaska. Although among the most productive ecosystems in the world, 

 they have been subjected to widespread destruction and abuse. As a 

 result of dredging, draining, filling, and pollution they have been 

 reduced to 70 million acres, which is slightly more than half of the 

 original estimated 127 million acres. These figures include all wetland 

 types, inland and coastal. 



Although the ecological role of the coastal wetlands in supporting 

 the shellfish and finfish productivity of our estuarine waters is well 

 documented, recent studies have also provided data on the significant 

 ecological role of our fresh-water wetlands. Two current studies are of 

 special relevance. Wharton's analysis of the ecological values of 

 southern river swamps keynotes four major values: water quality, water 

 quantity, productivity, and potential educational use (Wharton 1970). 

 McCormick (1970) and Grant and Patrick (1970) have recently 

 completed a study of the polluted Tinicum wetlands in the Philadel- 

 phia region which documents their high productivity and role in pollu- 

 tion filtration. 



Hydrologic Role 



Wetlands are of major importance in the nation's hydrologic regime. 

 Because of their water-holding capacity, they act as storage basins. 



