34 



more effective in protecting wetlands. We have attached the Administration's full 

 policy statement to this testimony. 



We would like to begin by briefly describing why wetlands protection is 

 important, and then provide some background on the process used to arrive at this 

 consensus package. We will then highlight some of the main provisions of the 

 Administration's wetlands policy, noting in particular where Congressional action is 

 recommended. 



Why Wetlands Are Important 



Wetlands are among our Nation's most critical and productive natural resources. 

 Wetlands are the vital link between land and water. They provide a multitude of 

 services to society, are the basis of thousands of jobs, and contribute billions of 

 dollars to the economy. Wetlands fulfill vital functions within the ecosystem, such 

 as wildlife and aquatic life habitat and food chain support, water quality improvement 

 and flood^storage, and shoreline erosion control. In some areas, up to two-thirds of 

 our commercial and recreational fisheries are dependent on wetlands in their life 

 cycles. This means that wetlands protection may contribute over $ 1 5 billion annually 

 to our economy for fisheries alone. A high percentage of our endangered species rely 

 directly or indirectly on wetlands for their survival. Protecting wetlands is essential 

 if we are to achieve the Clean Water Act's (CWA's) objective to restore and maintain 

 the chemical, physical, and biological integrfty of the Nation's waters. 



