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What does conservation mean to you? Many people think of conservation as the act of conserving energy such as fuel for their car or house. We also know of groups which conserve history or various parts of our culture. Depending on each of our own beliefs and priorities we all have different definitions of what conservation means.
Some choices are more difficult or more important than others but life is about setting priorities. Personally, my current focus is the conservation of natural resources, specifically wet lands. Some people wonder, why are wetlands worth saving? My answer to that is that wetlands provide three critical functions. One, wetlands provide refuge for numerous species of plant and aquatic animals such as ducks and geese. Two, wetlands act as a filter for many of the pollutants we as humans produce and lastly, wetlands provide flood protection.
The diversity of plant and animals that can be found in wetlands is amazing. I have fond memories of paddling or hiking around wetlands and watching this dynamic habitat function right before my eyes. It's amazing to watch a mother duck scurry her brood off to safety or to watch moose eating aquatic grasses 50 yards away!
The rate at which we are losing these precious resources is disturbing. According to Ducks Unlimited (www.ducks.org) the United States loses approximately 80,000 acres of wetlands per year. Yes, 80,000!
How does this affect you? Ask yourself these questions. Do you care if aquatic plants and animals decrease to threatening levels? Does it bother you that our water run offs are not being filtered properly before reaching the ground water reservoirs? Does it concern you that flooding will increase, resulting in increased erosion? If you answered yes to any of these questions than you are beginning to understand what conservation means to you. You can get more information regarding wetlands and their significance at www.ducks.org.
If you would like to help in the effort to protect wetlands, Ducks Unlimited could use any assistance you are willing to give. Ducks Unlimited is a national wetlands conservation organization and the local chapter of Ducks Unlimited will be holding its annual dinner auction fund raiser on March 15 at 5 p.m. in Gray. If you would like information on becoming a volunteer or would like to attend this fundraiser please call me at 998-5783.
Tony Costigan
Gray
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