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<br />Exhibit 1 <br /> <br />To some of our citizens a swamp or marshland is physically <br />unattractive, an inconvenience to cross by foot and an obstacle to road <br />construction or improvement. However, to an increasing number of our <br />citizens who have become concerned enough about the vanishing <br />wetlands to see legislative relief, a swamp or marsh is a thing of beauty. <br /> <br />To one who is willing to risk wet feet to walk through it, a marsh <br />frequently contains a springy soft moss, vegetation of many varieties, <br />and wildlife not normally seen on higher ground. <br /> <br />It is quiet and peaceful-the most ancient of cathedrals-antedating the <br />oldest of man made structures. More than that, it acts as nature's sponge, <br />holding heavy moisture to prevent flooding during heavy snowfalls and <br />slowly releasing the moisture and maintaining the water tables during <br />dry cycles. <br /> <br />In short, marshes and swamps are something to protect and preserve. <br /> <br />From the Minnesota Supreme Court's 1976 decision disallowing the construction of a highway through <br />William Bryson's marsh, which he brought suit to save. <br /> <br />Reference: <br /> <br />"Wetland Types and Definitions" brochure published by MN DNR Waters Division, 2001. Printed in <br />cooperation with MPCA, MN Dept of Ag and USFWS. <br />