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| Trails and viewing platforms offer opportunities to learn about and enjoy wetlands and the variety of plants and animals they support. Photo: Jason Mortlock - OMNR/2007 COA) |
Wetlands are an important part of Ontario's biodiversity. They provide a wide variety
of ecological, economic and social benefits for both humans and wildlife.
Wetlands help:
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- reduce erosion
- decrease flood damage
- improve and maintain good water quality
- provide important fish and wildlife habitat
- ensure a stable, long-term supply of groundwater (by contributing to the recharge and discharge)
- provide recreation and tourism opportunities
- limit greenhouse gas emissions (by acting as carbon sinks)
- provide valuable economic products, such as timber, commercial baitfish, wild rice and natural medicines
Wetlands provide important habitat for many species of fish.
Longnose Gar commonly inhabits vegetated backwaters of rivers
and marshy bays of lakes. Photo: Al Dextrase/MNR
