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and it is precisely the failure to weigh wetlands in the <br />balance that has led to our massive loss of wetlands and the <br />many functions they naturally provide. It is time to strike a <br />new balance that truly recognizes and accounts for the cost <br />to society of destroying these vital natural resources. <br />We strongly urge that stringent regulations and guide- <br />lines be implemented to prevent any additional loss of the <br />nation's remaining wetlands resource. Furthennore, a <br />definitive goal of restoring lost wetlands and improving <br />degraded wetlands, along with methods to achieve this <br />goal, should be established. Only by protecting this critical <br />resource and restoring other wetlands will this nation <br />continue to be known worldwide for the great wildlife and <br />other natural resources with which it is so richly endowed. <br />As we endeavor to protect wetlands and instream flows, <br />we should remember the following statement of an un- <br />known bumper-sticker author: "Remember, we all live <br />downstream." <br />46