Human Impact On Wetlands by Ukpono Etuk ~ Sportty

Wetlands were previously considered to be wastelands that provide breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects. Therefore, many have been drained, filled, and cleared for farms or residential and commercial development. For example, Florida Everglades once covered 8 million acres of South Florida, but now covers less than 2 million acres. The important role of wetlands as purifiers of wastewater and in flood prevention is now recognized. Wetlands are vital habitats for wildlife. Law and the federal government protect many wetlands, and most states now prohibit the destruction of certain Wetlands.