Wetlands: Indiana’s unsung heroes
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As we push through another Indiana winter, a chilling truth unveils itself—our state’s once-abundant wetlands are disappearing at an alarming rate and a new piece of legislation threatens our wetlands to an even greater extent. HB 1383, if passed, will further remove protections for Indiana’s wetlands and reduce the number of wetlands that can fall under Indiana’s most protected status: Class III. We need to preserve a big part of what makes the Hoosier state so great: wetlands.
When Indiana first emerged as a state, a quarter of our land was covered in wetlands but today, only 4% is covered. While we can’t and shouldn’t turn back the clock, we must strike a balance between progress and the preservation of our natural heritage and beauty. HB 1383 endangers Indiana’s most ecologically important wetlands, threatening these overlooked resources from performing their important jobs.
Indiana’s wetlands are responsible for more than meets the eye. They silently clean our water, protect us from flooding and provide invaluable habitat to birds and other wildlife. These ecosystems serve as crucial havens for both native and migratory species, forming an integral part of Indiana’s natural infrastructure. Wetlands serve as breeding, foraging and migratory grounds for whitetail deer, foxes, mallards, beavers, muskrats and a myriad of other species.
Wetlands also help to alleviate flooding risk and work as a much-needed sponges after heavy rainfall or significant snow melt. Remarkably, each acre of wetland has the capacity to absorb up to one million gallons of water. When you consider the low-lying topography of the Hoosier state, this is an indispensable function of our wetlands. In 2023 alone, Indiana experienced 76 flooding or heavy rain events. Hardworking wetlands were a lifeline to prevent damage to our communities, homes and infrastructure.
In 2021, there were 273,423 paid hunting license holders in Indiana, meaning that one in 25 residents held a license. To keep the dynamics of our wetlands thriving, it is critical for Indiana’s hunters to consistently support our wetlands and value the need to protect hunting traditions.
Our agricultural industry is critical to Indiana’s economy and relies heavily on our wetlands. In fact, Indiana is the eighth largest farming state in the nation, making an estimated $35.1 billion contribution to the Hoosier state’s economy. Indiana wetlands help to keep our soil fertile. They absorb excess surface water and slowly release it, making our soil moist and preventing crop damage from flooding.
Pollinators such as bees and monarchs make wetlands their homes, contributing to the success of our crops and in turn our economy.
We must prioritize the protection of wetlands not only for the sake of our natural heritage but also for our economy and communities. HB 1383 threatens to further rollback important protections for our most important and environmentally important wetlands. Important policy should not be rushed – there is too much at stake. I urge the senate to take the time to consider the consequences and amend the bill to protect the most vital wetlands across the state.