Springfield Township Total Wetland Loss at 53%
According to Michigan’s Wetlands Map Viewer, Springfield Township has lost an estimated 53% of its historical wetlands. Before widespread European settlement in the early 1800s, the township is estimated to have contained approximately 5,569 acres of wetlands. More recent mapping identifies just 2,590 acres, representing a loss of nearly 3,000 acres over roughly two centuries.
Existing Wetlands: 2,590 acres
Historic Wetlands: 5,569 acres
Wetland Loss/Gain: -2,979 acres (-53%)
However, the loss of wetlands extends well beyond the acreage itself. These ecosystems play an important role in maintaining water quality, storing floodwater, regulating streamflow, and supporting wildlife. EGLE’s landscape-level assessment estimates a 23% reduction in combined water quality functions, including a 27% reduction in floodwater storage functions and a 38% reduction in nutrient transformation functions. The assessment also identifies an estimated 28% overall reduction in wildlife habitat functions, including losses associated with forest birds (57%), shorebirds (43%), and fish (17%).
Historically, wetland loss in Michigan has been associated with agricultural drainage, land conversion, road construction, and residential and commercial development. However, wetlands do not have to be filled or excavated to be lost or degraded. Changes to natural drainage patterns, groundwater levels, and surrounding land use can disrupt the hydrology that supports these ecosystems, affecting their ability to function. While these factors may help explain historical wetland loss in Springfield Township, the available mapping data do not identify the specific causes or timing of these losses.
Wetlands are part of a much larger, interconnected natural system that helps regulate water levels, reduce flooding, maintain water quality, and support wildlife. When wetlands are lost or degraded, their functions cannot always be replaced, and the effects can extend well beyond their original boundaries. Changes in one area can influence groundwater movement, nearby lakes and streams, surrounding habitats, and even neighboring properties. As Springfield Township continues to face development pressures, understanding the cumulative loss of wetlands is increasingly important. Land-use decisions should consider not only the immediate impacts to a particular property, but also how those changes may affect the surrounding environment over time. Protecting the wetlands that remain means protecting the ecological systems and natural resources that our community depends on.
-> Click to View/Print Springfield Township Wetland Report (October 2026)
How Can You Help Protect Wetlands?
Small actions at home and involvement in your community can make a difference.
Protect natural areas.
Keep native plants and vegetation around wetlands, ponds, and streams. Avoid disturbing seasonal pools and wildlife habitats.
Reduce pollution.
Limit fertilizers and pesticides, properly dispose of chemicals, and maintain septic systems.
Manage rainwater naturally.
Plant native gardens, reduce paved surfaces, and allow rainwater to soak into the ground.
Stay informed.
Pay attention to local development proposals, drainage projects, and land-use decisions that could affect wetlands.
Get involved.
Attend public meetings, support local conservation efforts, and participate in wetland restoration projects.
Speak up.
Report suspected wetland violations to Michigan’s Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).
[Click HERE for EGLE’s ‘Report a Concern’ – Save to your Bookmarks!]
Remember… Wetlands are connected to the landscapes and waterways around them. Protecting wetlands, whether they’re in your backyard or miles away, helps protect the natural resources we all depend on.
Source: Michigan EGLE Wetlands Map Viewer. Historical wetland acreage and ecological functions are GIS-based estimates; mapped existing acreage does not necessarily represent 2026 conditions.
-> Click HERE to Explore EGLE Wetlands Map Viewer
- Floodwater Storage: The ability of wetlands to collect and temporarily hold excess water from heavy rain, snowmelt, and flooding. By slowing the movement of water, wetlands can help reduce flooding in surrounding and downstream areas. ↩︎
- Streamflow Maintenance: The role wetlands play in regulating the movement of water into nearby streams and rivers. Some wetlands slowly release stored water, helping maintain streamflow during dry periods. ↩︎
- Nutrient Transformation: The natural processes through which wetland soils, plants, and microorganisms absorb, store, or change nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus. These processes can help prevent excess nutrients from contributing to algae blooms and other water quality problems. ↩︎
- Sediment Retention: The ability of wetlands to slow moving water and trap soil, sand, and other particles before they reach nearby waterways. This helps reduce muddy water, sediment buildup, and damage to aquatic habitats. ↩︎
- Shoreline Stabilization: The ability of wetland vegetation and root systems to hold soil in place along the edges of lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds. This helps reduce erosion caused by waves, flowing water, and storms. ↩︎
- Water Quality Combined: An overall measure of how wetlands help protect water quality by trapping sediment, processing nutrients, and reducing the amount of pollutants reaching lakes, rivers, and streams. ↩︎
- Fish: Wetlands provide spawning areas, nursery habitat, feeding opportunities, and shelter for many fish species. Wetlands connected to lakes, rivers, and streams can be particularly important for young fish and aquatic food webs. ↩︎
- Waterfowl: Ducks, geese, and other waterfowl depend on wetlands for nesting, feeding, resting, and raising their young. Wetlands also provide important stopover locations during spring and fall migrations. ↩︎
- Shorebirds: Birds such as sandpipers, plovers, and yellowlegs use shallow wetlands, mudflats, and exposed shorelines to search for insects and other small invertebrates. These habitats are especially important during migration, when birds need places to rest and replenish their energy. ↩︎
- Forest Birds: Wooded wetlands and the forests surrounding them provide nesting sites, food, and shelter for many bird species. These habitats support birds that depend on mature trees, dense vegetation, and connected forest areas for breeding and survival. ↩︎
- Amphibians: Frogs, toads, and salamanders depend on wetlands for breeding, egg development, and other stages of their life cycles. Seasonal wetlands, including vernal pools, are especially important because they often lack fish that would otherwise prey on amphibian eggs and larvae. ↩︎
- Habitat Combined: An overall measure of the ability of wetlands to provide suitable habitat for different groups of wildlife. This includes areas used for feeding, breeding, shelter, and other important life-cycle needs. ↩︎
