Why We Care About
Oregon's Wetlands
Wetlands are wonderfully complex
landscapes that house, feed, and educate flora and fauna; store flood
waters; maintain base flows; and recycle nutrients and chemicals while
providing opportunities for recreation, education, and aesthetic
experiences. They are also, in effect, natural libraries that hold
information regarding climate, history, adaptation, and evolution
embedded in peat, muck, clay, and silt. Oregon's wetlands resources
have suffered substantial losses in geographic distribution and
diversity, and that prompts us to promote their many wonders and to
maintain their information for future generations.
Why Wetlands
Because:
- 40% of Oregon's wetlands have been drained,
diked or filled since European settlement.
-
53% of western Oregon's wetlands
have been lost to development or converted to other uses.
-
Many existing wetlands are
degraded because of poor land practices.
-
Nationally, nearly 35 per cent of
all rare and endangered animal species depend on wetlands.
-
Loss of wetlands leads to
increased flooding and decreased water quality.
-
We lose a sense of place as
wetlands disappear.
-
We believe something can be done
immediately and for future generations of Oregonians.
Conservation
Easements
A conservation easement is a legal agreement
between a landowner and The Wetlands Conservancy that protects land
from inappropriate uses or conserves habitat values while protecting
the rights of private ownership. The donation of an easement may result
in relief from income, estate, and or property taxes.
For more information Contact
Us.
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