Wetland Inventories

Wetland inventories are critical for resource protection and management, yet many parks continue to operate without them. To speed the acquisition of data on locations and types of wetlands, WRD has provided more than $1.5 million (including matching money) for National Wetlands Inventory mapping at 23 parks including Acadia National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway, Glacier National Park, and Lake Clark National Park and Preserve. The Division has also provided over $800,000 for higher resolution or "enhanced" wetland inventories tailored to specific needs of many parks, including Ozark National Scenic River, North Cascades National Park, George Washington Memorial Parkway and Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve.

The Wetlands Program staff provides project coordination and technical assistance for these inventory activities, and continues to seek funding for additional wetland inventory work. Most recently, staff submitted a proposal for $1.5 million in Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act funding to address the highest priority digital wetland mapping needs in eligible parks. The proposal was selected for 2009, pending availability of funds.