SC could lose 1 million acres of wetlands as floods rise and federal protections vanish

The marshes of Doñana are overflowing with water; the lagoon of Fuente de Piedra is preparing to receive thousands of flamingos; the flood plains of Las Tablas de Daimiel, not so fortunate, have been watered somewhat more and even the lagoon of La Janda, fully cultivated, has been covered with a sheet for some day. These are the effects of the rain train that has crossed the peninsula in March and that has increased the water of the reservoirs b…

Farmers head to court to protect wetlands against suit by Chicago investor and two law firms

Several Iowa farmers have joined the federal government to defend a long-standing Farm Bill provision that protects wetlands against a challenge by a Chicago-based investor and two libertarian law firms.  A ruling against the defendants could endanger wetlands nationwide and upend how the government determines eligibility for federal programs. The parties head to a courthouse Monday in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.  In the upper Midwest, 30 million acres …

SC could lose 1 million acres of wetlands as floods rise and federal protections vanish

As flood threats rise, wetlands across South Carolina could play an important role in fending off high water before it soaks homes, businesses, roads and other property that people depend on. But wetlands that control flooding and shelter wildlife are in substantial jeopardy as a result of a 2023 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that limited federal protections for many of the watery depressions, ...

New Study Shows Extreme and Far-Reaching Impacts of Sackett Ruling on Federal Wetland Protections

Inside Climate News reported Wetlands and ephemeral streams provide a wide variety of benefits to people and wildlife, from flood protection for local communities, to preventing pollutants from entering the water supply, to breeding grounds for endangered bird species. Wetlands can also act as carbon sinks, sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.  Since the 18th century, the United States has lost half of its wetlands. In 1972, Congress…