Wetlands Add Billions Of Dollars To Wisconsin's Economy, Study Finds

A study released by the Wisconsin Wetlands Association finds the state's wetlands - - primed for filling by developer-inspired legislation now under review despite Constitutional protections - - add billions in value to the state economy.

Conclusion

This report provides a preliminary view of the value of Wisconsin’s wetlands to the local community and the local, state and federal agencies that are responsible for serving the residents of the beautiful state of Wisconsin...

Ecosystem services may also be treated like economic assets, as they provide a stream of benefits over time, similar to bridges, roads or other built infrastructure. By protecting against flooding, assuring water supply, buffering climate instability, maintaining critical habitat, providing waste treatment and other benefits, Wisconsin’s wetlands provide between $3.3 billion and $152 billion in economic value every year to the local, regional and national economy. These wetlands provide tremendous benefits to the public over generations, at little or no cost .

Find the study here.