The
Great Lakes basin is defined
by its rich water resources,
its aquatic habitats, and
its expanses of coastal marshes
teaming with fish and wildlife,
blue-ribbon trout streams,
isolated bogs and inland lakes
that sparkle like jewels.
Aquatic habitats protect the
health of this vast ecosystem
by improving water quality,
supporting the productivity
of fisheries, providing habitat
for wildlife, preventing damage
from floods and erosion, serving
as reservoirs of biological
diversity and ultimately improving
the quality of life for tens-of-millions
of Great Lakes residents and
visitors.
The best estimates to date
show that approximately two-thirds
of the original wetlands in
the Great Lake basin have
already been lost, thousands
of miles of river are impaired,
and hundreds of miles of shoreline
have been degraded. Immediate
action is necessary to protect
and restore the quality and
quantity of these important
resources.
Resources
The Great Lakes Habitat Network
and Fund provides information,
funding resources, networking
and opportunities and builds
the capacity of grassroots
organizations to protect aquatic
habitat in their community.
Bird Studies Canada’s
Marsh Monitoring Program (include
Link) provides an opportunity
for citzens to volunteer to
monitor local wetlands and
record bird and amphibian
sightings and sounds. MMP
data provides important information
on the population trends and
habitat requirements of wetland-dependent
amphibians and birds, thereby
assisting in the protection
of critical portions of the
Great Lakes ecosystem.
Aquatic Habitat Fact Sheet
Benefits
of Wetlands
Great Lakes United's comments
Danger
Zone in Lake Michigan
- May 2002
Readiness
and Range Preservation Initiative
- May 2002
Comment
to proposed modifications
to the Nationwide Wetlands
Permits - September 2001
Comment
to sunken log removal in Ontario
- August 2000
Comment
to Tilden Mining Company’s
proposal for facility expansion
- November 2000
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