|
|
Increased Flood Storage
Wetlands associated with rivers and lakes capture and retain water, reducing the duration and severity of floods. Inland wetlands intercept surface flow and slow it down, reducing the potential for floods and minimizing drought.
A recent study estimated that one acre of wetland can store over 1.5 million gallons of flood water. The bottomland hardwood wetlands along the Mississippi River once stored at least 60 days of floodwater but now only have capacity for 12 days storage because most have been filled or drained. The impact of the loss of flood water storage along the Mississippi was evident when floods in 1993 caused $12-$16 billion in damages, and yearly damages are estimated at $3.5 billion. Coastal wetlands in Louisiana have been valued at over $1,900 per acre for their storm protection functions alone!
What is Ducks Unlimited doing to increase flood storage?
Many of Ducks Unlimited's habitat projects have the benefit of increasing flood storage. Read more about DU's conservation priorities near you!
More Wetland Benefits
|
Wetland Facts...
Improve the overall health of our environment
Recharge and purify ground water
Moderate floods
Reduce soil erosion
Are natures most productive ecosystems
Provide critical habitat for more than 900 species
Offer invaluable recreation opportunities for people
Did you also know that…
|