Ecosystem Services Provided by Prairie Wetlands in Northern Rangelands

Abstract

Wetlands add significant ecosystem services to rangeland. These services include: sediment capture; groundwater recharge and discharge; stock water processing and purification; habitat and forage for plants and animals, including livestock; and climate protection via carbon storage. Services from wetlands occur at multiple scales, from local to global. These services are lost when wetlands are permanently drained. Strategic management of wetlands in rangeland can sustain most services, diversify and improve ranch income, lower the costs of livestock production, and provide benefits to society beyond the ranch boundary.