U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service – October 2011

America’s wetlands declined slightly from 2004-2009, underscoring the need for continued conservation and restoration efforts, according to a report issued today by the Department of Interior.  “Wetlands are at a tipping point,” said Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. "While we have made great strides in conserving and restoring wetlands since the 1950s, [...] this report should serve as a call to action to renew our focus on conservation and restoration efforts hand in hand with states, tribes and other partners." 

Since the preparation and publication of Circular 39 in 1954, the Service has been the principle Federal Agency monitoring changes to our Nation's wetlands. The most recent report represents a comprehensive and scientifically sound effort to track wetlands resources on a national scale. The Service has played a leading role in defining the biological extent of wetlands, implementing a national classification system, developing standards for mapping and monitoring wetland habitats and partnering with Federal and state agencies, Tribes and private organizations to track wetland changes over time.  Stemming directly from the findings in the series of Wetland Status and Trends reports, the Service has influenced Federal and state policies relating to wetlands conservation, protection, restoration and creation. The report findings have also promoted public awareness and education efforts regarding wetland types, distribution and ecological importance, and ultimately saved wetland habitat used by migratory waterfowl, endangered species, and other aquatic organisms. For latest Status and Trends Report, click here.