Wetlands are Some of Wisconsin's Most Valuable Resources

Wisconsin wetlands provide habitat for more species of plants and animals than any another landscape in Wisconsin! According to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, 40% of all our birds and one third of all our threatened and e dangered species depend on wetlands.

Presently, wetlands are protected by law, however, Wisconsin has already lost 53% of its original 10 million acres. Look at the list entitled "Ecological Values of Wetlands". It is no wonder these area have high biological productivity and support rare biotic life. The ecological values are what make Wisconsin's water pure and sustaining for all life.

Wetland communities have a common characteristic of soils either saturated or covered by water. Associated with these moist soils are the "water loving" plants that you will find growing in MOLS.

All the different plant communities found here are considered wetlands: Sedge Meadow, Shrub Carr, Mesic Forest, Ponds, and Shorline Habitat.

We have a responsibility to protect, and preserve these lands because all life benefits when wetlands are cared for.

• Wildlife Habitat Destruction due to Agriculture, Urban, or Industrial  Expansion
• Lake and Stream Pollution due to  Fertilizer Runoff
•  Depleted groundwater supplies
•  Polluted drinking water supplies
•  Industrial Pollution
•  Uncontrolled Flooding
•  Endangered Species
•  Introduction of Invasive Species
•  Loss of Biodiversity
•  Destruction of Tourist Attractions
•  Not edible fish and fowl