Swamp - Draining

Draining

Swamps were historically drained to provide additional land for agriculture, and to reduce the threat of diseases born by swamp insects and similar animals. Many swamps were also heavily logged, which also required construction of drainage ditches and canals. These contributed as well to drainage, and, along the coast, allowed salt water intrusion that converted swamps to marsh or open water. Large areas of swamp were therefore lost, or degraded. Louisiana provides a classic example of wetland loss from these combined factors. Europe has probably lost nearly half its wetlands. As another example, New Zealand has lost 90 percent of its wetlands over the past 150 years. It is now appreciated that swamps provide valuable ecological services including flood control, fish production, water purification, carbon storage, and wildlife habitat. In many parts of the world swamps are protected. In parts of Europe and North America, swamp restoration is becoming widespread. Often the simplest steps to restoring swamps are to plug drainage ditches and remove levees.