PARAGRAPH 7
Significant Sentences:
- "In fact, more than one-third of the United States' threatened and endangered species live only in wetlands, and more than one-half use the wetlands at some point in their lives for breeding, nesting or raising their young."
- "Many species of migratory birds depend on the wetlands and would go extinct if the wetlands were destroyed."
Thoughts: Wetlands are super important because many animals live there and need it to survive. If the wetlands disappeared, a lot of animals, like birds, would have nowhere to go, which would be really sad!
PARAGRAPH 8
Significant Sentences:
- "The wetlands are also essential to the state's fishing industry, providing a habitat for fish, shrimp, oysters and crabs."
- "The destruction of the wetlands would have disastrous consequences for the economy of the area and the livelihoods of many of Louisiana's residents."
Thoughts: Wetlands help support the fishing jobs in Louisiana, which is super important for people living there. If the wetlands go away, many people could lose their jobs, and that wouldn't be fair!
PARAGRAPH 9
Significant Sentences:
- "Wetlands serve as a natural buffer zone against storms and hurricanes, slowing down the storms and reducing their force before they move inland."
- "However, as the wetlands disappear, some cities are becoming more exposed."
Thoughts: Wetlands help protect cities from big storms, which is really helpful! If there are no wetlands, cities could get hurt badly by hurricanes, and that would be scary!
PARAGRAPH 10
Significant Sentences:
- "In 2005, Hurricane Katrina, one of the deadliest and most destructive hurricanes in the entire history of the United States, hit the Gulf Coast."
- "However, scientists and researchers believe that the hurricane would have done far less damage to the city if the surrounding wetlands had been intact."
Thoughts: Hurricane Katrina caused a lot of damage, and it might have been less bad if the wetlands were still there. It's kind of like how a superhero protects a city, so the wetlands can be thought of as nature's superhero!
PARAGRAPH 11
Significant Sentences:
- "The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (E.P.A.) has declared the month of May to be American Wetlands Month."
- "This month is dedicated to celebrating the ways in which wetlands enrich our lives and the environment."
Thoughts: It's cool that there's a whole month to celebrate wetlands! This helps everyone remember how amazing and helpful they are to us and the animals!
PARAGRAPH 12
Significant Sentences:
- "Since 1998, the United States has maintained a 'no net loss' wetlands policy."
- "The policy has had a dramatic effect in slowing the rate of wetlands loss."
Thoughts: I think it's great that there's a rule to protect wetlands so they don't disappear! It shows that people care about the environment and want to make sure wetlands stay safe!