The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has measured wetland losses for half a century and subsequently produced periodic Status and Trends studies on the nation's wetlands. These reports are based on a statistical sampling of the National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps that focus on wetland acreage. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is underway with a national wetlands condition assessment. States and tribes also conduct wetland assessments--and have developed a number of tools for assessment, such as Rapid Assessment Methods (RAM), criteria for determining functions, values, ecosystem services; and ecological integrity assessments, using biological indicators. Local governments and nonprofit organizations may employ similar and other wetland assessment methods specific to their locality.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has measured wetland losses for half a century and subsequently produced periodic Status and Trends studies on the nation's wetlands. These reports are based on a statistical sampling of the National Wetland Inventory (NWI) maps that focus on wetland acreage. In addition, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is underway with a national wetlands condition assessment. States and tribes also conduct wetland assessments--and have developed a number of tools for assessment, such as Rapid Assessment Methods (RAM), criteria for determining functions, values, ecosystem services; and ecological integrity assessments, using biological indicators. Local governments and nonprofit organizations may employ similar and other wetland assessment methods specific to their locality.