Wetlands help to improve water quality and manage flooding; they also provide habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals. MetroFuture directs growth away from wetlands and floodplain areas, resulting in less development in or near wetlands.

The Metro Boston area is home to over 250,000 acres of wetlands, 32% of which contain rare or endangered species habitat. Despite the important role these ecosystems play, nearly 40% of the region’s wetlands are not permanently protected.

Objectives:

• There will be no net loss of wetland acreage.