Hunting, fishing, birdwatching, and nature photography are just a few of the many activities that people enjoy in wetlands. At first, early settlers to North America did not know the benefits provided by wetlands. People are now starting to realize the importance of wetlands and are taking actions to protect them.

Wetlands can be protected by passing laws and promoting programs that help protect existing wetlands. In Michigan, under the Wetlands Protection Act, people are not allowed to drain, fill, or build on a wetland unless they receive a permit.

EXPLORE: Get more information on this act.

Wetlands can also be created by turning non-wetlands into wetlands. This is called restoration.

EXPLORE: Learn about wetland restoration in Michigan.

The Michigan Wetland Reserve Program involves both protection and restoration. Under this program, a private landowner can protect wetlands on his/her property from ever being destroyed, or he/she can create wetlands in certain areas of his/her land.

EXPLORE: Learn more about this program.