Nebraska has diverse wetlands across the state, in
every county. There are many types of wetlands:
With waterfowl seasons upon us, duck and goose hunters
certainly appreciate the value of wetlands. But wetlands
do much more than provide habitat for ducks and geese.
One of the most productive ecosystems in the world,
wetlands host a variety of plant and animal species.
They also provide numerous other benefits, including
slowing runoff to reduce flooding and filter pollutants
and recharge groundwater, making their preservation
important to all of us.
Over the past 250 years, wetlands have declined at
an alarming rate, mostly due to land conversion.
!
Not without w
Only half the
world's wetlands
remain intact.
Today, only 65%
of Nebraska's
wetlands
remain intact.
Only 10% of the
Nebraska Rainwater
Basin playa wetlands
remain intact.
Marshes
Playas
Seep
Areas
Forested
Swamps
Fens
Wet Meadows
Oxbows
River and Stream
Backwaters
Lakes
What we lose...
Because of the Clean Water
Act, the Farm Bill, State Title
117, and other federal, state,
and local protections, we have
effectively slowed the rate at
which we are losing wetlands.
Estimated acres of wetlands in Nebraska
Sufficient
clean water
of Nebraska drinking water comes
from groundwater, which is
naturally filtered by wetlands.
Wetlands filter pollutants
from runoff and improve water
quality in streams and the
underground aquifer, reducing
the need for costly treatment.
95%
Groundwater recharge
Many wetlands slowly
release water into the ground
to recharge groundwater.
Sandhills and playa wetlands
recharge a significant portion
of the state's Ogallala Aquifer.
1972 Clean Water Act
3,000,000
2,000,000
1,000,000
1770 1800 1830 1860 1890 1920 1950 1980 2010
0
56 Nebraskaland • November 2019
Clean water? Flood protection? Wildlife habitat?
