etlands make ecosystems more sustainable. Also, McGee Marsh is being threatened by population increases, shoreline development, and recreational boating. Urban development is "squeezing" wetland areas towards the lake while marinas and boating are destroying these areas. In response, the state is buying wetland areas and is giving tax breaks to individuals or companies who buy wetland areas for the purpose of conservation (Beatty). Another interesting point. Of all endangered species in Ohio, fifty percent are wetland species (Sheildcastle). An alarming number considering that wetland areas make up a small fraction of classified lands in Ohio. This proves that wetlands are areas that have unique conditions that can support many species. Moreover, it is critical for us, as members of the environment, to conserve and preserve these areas because of their biodiversity and ecological impact they have on our environment. Wetlands maintain water quality, control floods, sustain biodiversity, and provide enjoyment. Urbanization, field and road runoff, agricutural, and many other human factors contribute to the decline of naturally occurring wetlands. An analogy can be used to visualize the importance of persevering wetlands, along with all other natural areas. Say a man is on a plane and notices someone pulling rivets out of the sheet metal on one of the wings of the plane. At first glance, he reasons that there has to be thousands of rivets in the wing, so there is no threat as off yet. More time passes and he glances again, he sees that same man on the wing with buckets of rivets that he had pulled out of the wing. He is now a little more concerned, but still does nothing and starts to put on his parachute. The question is: How many rivets can be removed before the plane goes down? This is the exact case the wetland preservationists face every day....
