Contents 



Page 



Introduction 3 



Values and Uses of Wetlands 5 



The Intrinsic Qualities and Ecological Services Associated With Wetlands 5 



Wedand Conversions 5 



Trends in Wetland Use 6 



Programs and Policies Affecting Wetland Use 7 



Federal Programs Discouraging Wetland Conversions 10 



Federal Programs Encouraging Wedand Conversions 12 



Administration Policies 13 



State Wetland Programs 13 



Local Wetland Programs 13 



Private Initiatives 13 



Policy Considerations and Options 13 



Policy Considerations 13 



Policy Issues 14 



Policy Options 14 



TABLES 



Table No. Page 



1. Wetland Conversions From Mid-1950's to Mid-1970's 7 



2. Major Federal Programs Affecting the Use of Wetlands 9 



FIGURES 



Figure No. Page 



A. Actual Wetland Conversions 8 



B. 404 Permit Statistics, 1981 12 



