Wetland Heritage of the Upper Great Lakes: An Appreciation

It is doubtful if any resource has been so abused and at the same time used as the earth's wetlands. In spite of an anti wetland prejudice, the resource has been utilized by Native Americans, fur traders and settlers. This investigation reveals that wetlands in the upper Great Lakes were not areas to be avoided but rather attractive resources to be exploited. Wetlands provided dietary and agricul tural resources, aesthetic settings and have contributed significantly to conser vation awareness. Vendable and eco nomic values recognized in the last few years are yet additional services these liquid assets provide.