Wetlands are worth a bundle

[Hamilton Reef]

Note that the protection of coastal wetlands is vital for our muskie spawning throughout the Great Lakes and inland waters.

Wetlands are worth a bundle

http://www.mlive.com/columns/bctimes/je ... xml&coll=4

Thursday, July 13, 2006 by Jeff Kart 894-9639 jkart@bc-times.com.

Saginaw Bay coastal marshes are worth $239 million.

That startling figure comes from a report by Ducks Unlimited and the Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council.

The groups, with help from state and federal agencies, wanted to put a dollar value on the benefits that wetlands provide, from cleaner water to flood reduction, healthy fish and abundant wildlife.

Researchers came up with the $239 million figure by asking anglers and residents what they'd be willing to pay to protect wetlands. The dollar amount is based on recreational uses that wetlands provide, like fishing.

Find the full report at www.tinyurl.com/nple6.

Economic Values of Saginaw Bay Coastal Marshes
With a Focus on Recreational Values