§3901 Findings and Statement of Purpose

Summary

Promotes conservation of the Nation’s wetlands because they are vital to the economy, food and water supplies, flood control, and the health and recreation of citizens. Wetlands are key homes for many fish, birds (including migratory and endangered species), and plants. The United States has treaty duties with Canada, Mexico, Japan, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and countries in the Western Hemisphere to protect wetlands used by migratory birds. Wetlands support a commercial marine harvest worth over $10,000,000,000 each year, help the fur and hide industry, and create billions more in hunting, fishing, birdwatching, and other recreation. They improve water quality, recharge groundwater, and reduce floods and erosion. Wetlands are a small share of U.S. land, were cut in half in the contiguous States since the Nation began, and still vanish by hundreds of thousands of acres each year. Some federal actions have sped up these losses, so stronger cooperation is needed. To keep these public benefits and meet treaty obligations, the law calls for stronger teamwork among private groups and local, State, and Federal governments to manage wetlands. It also urges more protection by buying land, buying easements, or using other property tools by governments and the private sector.