IDEM: Wetlands perform vital role in Hoosier environment Wetlands

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - Wetlands are such an important natural resource that every year, World Wetlands Day is celebrated nationally on February 2. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) is charged with regulating wetland losses in Indiana and works to maintain and improve Hoosier wetlands.

Each of Indiana's 92 counties has at least one wetland. This is important because wetlands collect water and release it slowly through evaporation and infiltration into ground water and nearby streams. As a result, this process reduces the amount of water that goes into streams during heavy rains, while maintaining streams and drinking water wells during dry periods. When floods occur, wetlands allow floodwaters to spread, reducing the power floodwaters have to do damage.

For generations, many have believed the way to protect areas from flooding is to remove water as quickly as possible by straightening streams, creating ditches, tiling fields and draining wetlands to move water away from farmland and developments. The result of these activities and more efficient draining is increased risk of severe floods as storm water run-off inundates waterways more quickly than can be absorbed.

Twenty-five percent of Indiana's surface area was wetland when the first settlers arrived, and in the last 200 years, an estimated 85 percent has been lost. The filling or draining of wetlands takes away water retention benefits, leaving areas susceptible to water accumulation.

Hoosiers can work together to improve the viability of Indiana's wetlands. "By preserving wetlands that exist and working to create new wetlands, Hoosiers can take the first step to protect themselves against catastrophic rain events. Striking a balance between economical development and the preservation of Indiana's environment is vital," said Bruno Pigott, IDEM Assistant Commissioner, Office of Water Quality. "Our job is to ensure that any loss of remaining wetland is truly necessary and that steps are taken to minimize and mitigate the effects of wetland loss in order to protect Hoosiers and the environment."

More information about Indiana wetlands is available on the IDEM Web site at www.wetlands.IN.gov. Hoosiers can view videos about wetlands through the Indiana Wetlands Virtual Tour.