“Two years ago, Indiana lawmakers rolled back protections for more than half of Indiana's wetlands. Yesterday, the Indiana House of Representatives passed a bill that puts more wetlands at risk.  

HB 1383 would further reduce the number of wetlands that are protected in Indiana by changing the definition of what is considered a Class III wetlands, the most protected class. As written, this legislation would leave more of Indiana's vital wetlands open to development and destruction.   

Indiana’s hardworking wetlands provide habitat to birds and other wildlife and store a tremendous amount of water to protect communities from flooding. One acre of wetland can store up to one million gallons of water. There is still time to improve this bill. We urge the Indiana Senate to amend this bill to maintain protections of Class III wetlands so it doesn’t leave the most ecologically important wetlands out to dry.”  

### 

About Audubon Great Lakes 

The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon Great Lakes is a regional office of Audubon, learn more at gl.audubon.org.