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Saving Our Wetlands

Illinois Wetlands are Under Threat

Illinois has lost 90% of its historic wetlands to pollution, development, and climate change.

A Devastating Decision

In late 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court gutted the Clean Water Act in Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency.  This decision eliminated the legal protection of many wetlands across the country, including here in Illinois. Since then, the number of wetlands protected by the Clean Water Act has dropped by nearly a third. 

IEC is Stepping Up

Many other states have their own laws protecting isolated wetlands. Illinois is a state that doesn’t. IEC and our partners are educating our decision-makers — everyone from the governor to state agencies to your senators and representatives — on the importance of state-level protections for wetlands .

Without these policies, they’re left vulnerable and at risk. In our changing climate, we can’t afford to lose anymore.

We Need Gov. Pritzker's Help

Send a message to Gov. Pritzker

Big developers with deep pockets and top-dollar lobbyists are standing in our way.

"I Support Wetland Protections"

What are Wetlands?

Illinois wetlands are some of our state’s most valuable natural resources. These ecosystems are defined by the presence of water. However, lakes and rivers, for example, are not wetlands. Key wetland ecosystems include: marshes, swamps, bogs, and fens.

Wetlands must have one or more of the following three attributes:

  • at least periodically, the land supports predominantly water loving plants
  • the sub layer is predominantly undrained, wet soil
  • the sub layer is saturated with water or covered by shallow water at some time during the growing season of each year

Wetlands are found in urban and rural river floodplains, lake edges, and prairie basins. In fact, organizations like The Wetlands Initiative are working on major wetland restoration projects in Illinois, including Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin & Hopper Lakes, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, and the Calumet Region.

Wetlands are Engines of Biodiversity

Wetlands provide a habitat for a rich variety of wildlife. They are one of the most biodiverse and active habitats in the world. They’re also a lifeline: many of the state’s endangered and threatened species, like the Blanding’s and spotted turtle, call wetlands home. 

Gov. Pritzker: Protect Illinois Wetlands

Gov. Pritzker needs to hear that you support our wetlands!

Use the buttons below to contact your decision-makers.

Contact Gov. Pritzker

Tell Gov. Pritzker you support wetland protections.

Contact Your Legislators

Send your senator and representative a note, urging them to act.

Join Our Campaign

Sign up for updates, advocacy opportunities, events, and more!

Wetlands Provide Important Services

Flood Mitigation

Wetlands act as natural sponges, soaking up excess rainwater and reducing the risk of flooding in nearby communities. By slowing and storing runoff, they provide an estimated $755 million in annual residential flood mitigation benefits.

Over the long term, these benefits add up to between $10.8 billion and $25.2 billion. Protecting wetlands is a cost-effective way to safeguard homes, infrastructure, and lives from increasingly frequent and intense storms.

Outdoor Experiences

Wetlands are a vital part of what makes the Illinois outdoors so special. They support wildlife, clean our water, and help create great places for hiking, hunting, fishing, birdwatching, photography, and more.

Polls show that nearly 80% of Illinoisans want to protect natural areas like wetlands, prairies, and forests. Our state’s outdoor spaces support over 175,000 jobs and bring in more than $10 billion every year—proof that protecting wetlands means protecting what we love.

Learn More About Wetlands

Protecting Chicago’s Wetlands

Wetlands–home to a dazzling array of plants and animals–stand between us and some of the worst effects of climate change. Advocates in Chicago urge decision-makers to implement policy solutions to protect these incredible ecosystems.

Read More

Illinois Conservation Updates

2025 Environmental Scorecard

IEC's state legislative team has published our 2025 Environmental Scorecard evaluating the performance of every Illinois state legislator based on their environmental voting record.

Read More >>