4 Indiana Department of Natural Resources.
Connecting Wetlands, Wildlife, and You
Veto request for SEA 389 - 5
The DNR has estimated dollar values for some of the annual benefits wetlands provide:
● $1.8 billion in water storage,
● $850 million in erosion prevention,
● $202 million in water purification, and
● support for Indiana’s multi-billion dollar outdoor recreation, hunting, and fishing industries5.
The water storage and water quality functions of wetlands can be replaced by building stormwater infrastructure, but at a substantial cost, and without wildlife, recreation, air quality, and climate benefits. EPA data on the cost of stormwater infrastructure, adjusted to 2021 dollars, show that the least expensive option costs over $86,000 per acre of wetland being replaced6. Preserving existing wetlands saves these construction costs and provides the most cost-effective stormwater management available.