Wetlands losses in the United States 1780's to 1980's.

Wetlands are disappearing at a rapid rate. Although measures are actively being sought to stem wetland losses and restore wetland acreage, the rate of wetland conversion over the years has been dramatic.
This is the first of two reports to Congress on the status of wetland resources in the United States. This report, a one-time effort, focuses on documenting historical wetland losses that occurred from colonial times through the 1980's. It is a compilation of existing data from a variety of sources. The second report will update the information contained in Status and Trends of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats in the Conterminous United States. The study effort for the second report will generate new information based on a statistical analysis of wetland changes from the 1970's to the 1980's. The status and trends report will be updated every ten years as required by the Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 1986.

This report is the product of the Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wetlands Inventory. Special appreciation is extended to Constance Harriman, Assistant Secretary, Fish and Wildlife and Parks; John Turner, Director, Fish andWildlife Service; Maryanne Bach, Chief, Office of Program Analysis; and Bill O. Wilen, Project Leader, National Wetlands Inventory.