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<br />4. IMPACTS OF THE PROJECT <br /> <br />A. Direct Benefits of the Proiect for the Investmtmt Required <br /> <br />The benefits to the people of Colorado derived from conserving the wetland resources of the state <br />are numerous. Wetlands are among the richest and most productive of all environments, <br />providing many ecosystem values. Protecting these values enhances quality of life directly and <br />will enhance quality of life for future generations. Protecting these values has economic benefits <br />as well. More specifically, these benefits include: <br /> <br />. Environmental: conserving wetlands protects their environmental value to society. These <br />values include: water quality - wetlands clean water by absorbing and fihering pollutants <br />before they reach grOlmd waters, rivers, streams or lakes; fisheries - wetlands provide <br />spawning habitat and rearing habitat and a food supply for fishes; waterbird habitat - <br />wetlands are the principal habitat for waterbirds; biological diversity - wetlands provide <br />habitat for a diversity of plants and lInnnllls, including threatened and endangered species; <br />groundwater recharge - many wetlands recharge aquifers; erosion control- wetlands <br />stabilize banks and shorelines and prevent erosion; flood control- wetlands can retain <br />flood waters, reducing their destructiveness. <br /> <br />, Educational: conserving wetlands provides educational benefit. Wetlands are often highly <br />visIble to the public. Conspicuous plant and lInimll) species make wetlands a natural <br />laboratory for formal teaching and education, or for less formal, interpretative signing, <br />nature trails, and viewing platforms. Recreationists, wildlife watchers, naturalists, and <br />children are drawn to wetlands and this nearly universal appeal provides educators with an <br />unparalleled opportunity for using this resource to educate society about the natural <br />world. <br /> <br />, Open Space: many municipalities have formally recognized the value of wetlands <br />conservation, through protection and enhancement, for both aesthetic and pragmatic <br />reasons. Wetlands provide natural areas and wildlife habitat, ie., open space, within <br />otherwise urban areas. Wetlands can offer a calm refuge from suburbia, a place where one <br />can reconnect with nature. It is envisioned that conservation easements, enhancements, <br />and wetland creation projects would help integrate the desires of willing private property <br />owners with the public desires for quality open space. <br /> <br />, Recreational: because many facets of outdoor recreation revolve around uses of wetlands <br />wildlife, conservation of wetlands would provide muhiple benefits in these areas, including <br />hunting, fishing, and wildlife watching. <br /> <br />10 <br />