Why Protect Wetlands?
Wetlands benefit people as well as wildlife. Wetlands can control erosion and prevent flooding by holding water and reducing runoff. They also recharge sub-surface water supplies and provide hay land in dry years. Wetlands provide crucial habitat for many types of wildlife including ducks, pheasants, and deer. More than half of the nation’s wetlands have been lost to agricultural drainage since the 1800’s. Protecting wetlands ensures these habitats, wildlife, and benefits will be there for future generations. Land Qualifications: DOES ANY LAND QUALIFY FOR A WETLAND EASEMENT? No. The property must have wetlands of value to waterfowl and be in a county which has been approved for the easement program. This easement program is offered only in the prairie pothole region of Montana, North and South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. HOW MUCH OF MY LAND WOULD BE COVERED BY THE EASEMENT? The easement covers certain existing wetlands or those which recur through natural causes. Impoundments by dams
