Both public and private wetlands are protected by federal and state laws because of their exceptional value to society. Maintaining wetland functions is essential to protecting the public.

Wetlands store and control flood waters, they control erosion, they protect water quality, and they provide habitat for fish, wildlife and plant species. Wetlands are important for education and recreation. And they supply us with lovely open places to enjoy.

While the degree to which a wetland area serves these functions varies from location to location, wetland area works in combination with others as part of a complex, integrated system.