Floodplain forested wetlands, such as this one along the Milwaukee River, help purify water and reduce downstream flooding risks during storms. The flooded portions of adjacent fields, pictured, are now being allowed to revert to natural wetland habitat, increasing the ability of this wetland to abate floods. Photo credit: Joanne Kline
More than half the wetlands once found in Wisconsin are gone. They were filled in or drained to grow crops and build cities and roads. With the loss of our wetlands went the many services they provide.
Wetlands can improve water quality, reduce flood impacts, help streams flow, provide habitat, and offer many other services. But not all wetlands provide the same services to the same degree.