Florida has lost 44% of its wetlands since 1845

Article Reference: Florida has lost 44% of its wetlands since 1845. What is the environmental impact?

By Tony Judnich for The Northwest Florida Daily News

“While some folks might view them as messy, bug-infested places to avoid, swamps, marshes and other types of wetlands provide numerous benefits to people, flora and fauna.

Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil or is present either at or near the surface of the soil all year or for varying periods of time during the year, including during the growing season, Northwest Florida Water Management District environmental scientist David Clayton said in an email.”

“Wetlands are a critical part of our natural environment,” Clayton said. “Wetlands protect shorelines from wave action, reduce the impacts of floods, remove pollutants, improve water quality, store floodwaters, maintain surface water flow during dry periods and provide fish and wildlife habitats.” – David Clayton

Read More