April 02, 2026

5 Reasons to Protect Illinois Wetlands

Wetlands are an essential ecosystem for communities and wildlife across Illinois. Protecting them is more important than ever.

By David McEllis, Illinois Legislative Director

Wetlands protect our communities. They soak up floodwaters, saving homes from damage. They recharge groundwater and filter drinking water to block pollution. They store carbon and provide habitat for rich wildlife across Illinois. However, recent attacks on wetlands protections put this essential ecosystem more at risk than ever.

Tell Your IL Lawmakers to Save Wetlands

Here are five reasons protecting Illinois’ wetlands is more important than ever:

1. Federal Rollbacks Have Left Many Illinois Wetlands Unprotected

In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court severely curtailed the waterways covered under the federal Clean Water Act. Now the Trump administration is trying to roll back other important federal standards and protections too. Other Midwestern states had state wetlands laws they could fall back on, but Illinois does not have a standalone state wetlands program. Many wetlands that were previously protected are now vulnerable to development, so it’s time for Illinois to step up.

2. Wetlands are Home to Many of Illinois’ Most Beloved Wildlife

Wetlands are among the most biologically diverse ecosystems in Illinois. They provide habitat for birds, fish, amphibians and other wildlife. Many of Illinois’ endangered species are wetlands dependent, such as the spotted dusky salamander, little blue heron, and water elm. Wetlands are important stopover habitat for migratory birds traveling through the Mississippi Flyway.

3. Wetlands Prevent Flooding & Keep Water Clean

Wetlands act as natural sponges that absorb excess rainwater and help reduce flooding risks in nearby communities. They also improve water quality in rivers, lakes, and drinking water sources by filtering pollutants, nutrients, and sediment from water, providing enormous cost savings to local economies. The value of wetlands to the U.S. economy is estimated to be about $10,000 per acre per year.

4. Wetlands Support Outdoor Recreation and Local Economies

Wetlands provide opportunities for fishing, birdwatching, paddling, and wildlife viewing. Many parks, preserves, and wildlife areas depend on wetlands. These natural spaces support outdoor recreation that benefits local communities and regional economies.

5. Illinois Can Protect the Valuable Wetlands that Remain

Illinois has already lost a significant portion of its historic wetlands due to development and drainage, especially in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries. Since the Clean Water Act and accompanying standards went into place over the past couple of generations, water quality has significantly improved and wetlands regained ground. We cannot put that progress at risk.

Illinois lawmakers have an opportunity to strengthen wetlands protections and safeguard these ecosystems before more are lost. the state legislature is advancing important legislation that will establish clear, science-based wetlands safeguards while guiding responsible development. The Wetlands Policy Act (HB3596/SB2401 in the Senate) passed the House Energy and Environment Committee in March. Tell your Illinois lawmakers to pass the bill and protect wetlands here:

Take Action

Protecting the wetlands that remain today will help ensure these ecosystems continue to support clean water, wildlife, and resilient communities.