Wetlands - Recreational Values and Economic Benefits

Wetlands provide endless opportunities for popular recreational activities, such as hiking, boating, hunting, fishing, trapping and birdwatching. Almost everyone likes being on or near the water, and the presence of so many fascinating lifeforms makes our wetlands especially enjoyable treasures. The observation and photography of wetland dependent birds, alone, entice an estimated 50 million people to spend nearly $10 billion each year. The nation's harvest of muskrat pelts is worth over $70 million annually. Waterfowl hunters in the United States spend over $600 million annually to harvest wetland-dependent birds.

Vermont wetlands not only contain recreation value, but also substantial economic value. A wealth of natural products are produced in wetlands. Those available for human use include timber, fish and shellfish, wildlife, blueberries, cranberries, and wild rice. Approximately 82 million acres of forested wetlands are harvested nationally for commercial timber operations. In addition, wetlands provide functions (such as water quality treatment, erosion control, and flood control) that when lost can be very expensive to replace. The cost of replacing the flood control function of the 5,000 acres of wetlands drained each year in Minnesota was determined to be $1.5 million (USEPA 1995). Other functions, such as wildlife and fish habitat, recreation opportunities, and open space can be permanently lost when wetlands are destroyed. This can also have significant financial repercussions if we lose visitors that come to Vermont for hunting, fishing, and sight seeing.

According to the Vermont Wetland Rules (pdf, 84 KB), wetlands that provide substantial recreational values or economic benefits are significant wetlands. In determining a wetland is significant for the Recreational Value and Economic Benefits function, the Vermont Natural Resources Board shall, at a minimum, consider the extent to which the wetland meets the following criteria:

• Is used for, or contributes to, recreational activities;
• Provides economic benefits;
• Provides important habitat for fish or wildlife which can be fished, hunted or trapped under applicable state law;
• Is used for the harvesting of wild foods.

Links of Interest

• EPA Economic Benefits of Wetlands: economic benefits of fisheries, water quality protection, flood storage, and recreational activities in wetlands.
• Economic Valuation of Wetlands: contains much helpful information on various economic techniques that are available by which to value wetland areas (from the UK). The Guide draws out the importance of weighing the advantages to be obtained by development with the damage which that development may do to wetlands.
• Ducks Unlimited: a North American waterfowl and wetlands conservation group that supports waterfowl hunting, wetland preservation, biodiversity conservation, and research.
• Vermont Fish and Wildlife: check this site for more information on hunting and fishing schedules.

Updated: January 2002