<p> Target – Georgia</p><p>Sportsman Perspective To the editor:</p><p>As a duck hunter and a concerned citizen, I am distraught by my country’s failure to adequately protect our wetlands and waterways.</p><p>Wetlands such as our own freshwater marshes and lakes serve as crucial habitat for more than 900 species, including migrating waterfowl. But every year we lose more than 80,000 acres of American wetlands habitat. </p><p>That number is only going to get worse unless Congress improves the Clean Water Act that has been weakened over the past few years. These regulatory changes have removed protections from an estimated 20 million acres of wetlands. This loss accounts for about 20% of all remaining wetlands in the lower 48 states.</p><p>I encourage all sportsmen and individuals who value wildlife to learn about this problem and to demand action from our representatives. How is Congress going to make sure our wetlands are protected? </p><p>Sincerely, ------</p><p>Clean Drinking Water Perspective To the editor:</p><p>As a resident of Georgia and a concerned citizen, I am distraught by my country’s failure to adequately protect wetlands and what this can mean for our economy. </p><p>Wetlands such as our own freshwater marshes and lakes serve as crucial sources for groundwater recharge and filters for toxins in our environment. But every year we lose more than 80,000 acres of American wetlands. </p><p>That number is only going to get worse unless Congress improves the Clean Water Act that has been weakened over the past few years. These regulatory changes have removed protections from an estimated 20 million acres of wetlands. This loss accounts for about 20% of all remaining wetlands in the lower 48 states.</p><p>I trust that you share my concerns for the health of our families and communities. I encourage everyone who is appalled to learn that our right to clean water is jeopardized to learn about this problem and to demand action from our representatives. How is Congress to safeguard our waterways and wetlands?</p><p>Sincerely, ------Economic Perspective To the editor:</p><p>As a resident of Georgia and a concerned citizen, I am distraught by my country’s failure to adequately protect wetlands and waterways. </p><p>Wetlands such as our own freshwater marshes and lakes serve as crucial habitat for migrating waterfowl and buffer zones for floods. Hunters and anglers contribute more than $67.5 billion to our economy each year. And wouldn’t we rather invest in wetlands conservation and all of its benefits than pay the high social and monetary costs of flood damage? </p><p>But every year we lose more than 80,000 acres of American wetlands habitat and that number is only going to get worse unless Congress improves the Clean Water Act that has been weakened over the past few years. These regulatory changes have removed protections from an estimated 20 million acres of wetlands. This loss accounts for about 20% of all remaining wetlands in the lower 48 states.</p><p>I trust that you share my concerns for this valuable resource. I encourage everyone who is appalled to learn that our right to clean water is jeopardized to learn about this problem and to demand action from our representatives. How is Congress going to safeguard our waterways and wetlands?</p><p>Sincerely, ------</p>