CRS-63 



3. to convert these areas Into a format for inventory and mapping; and 



4. to provide a uniform classification system and terminology. 52 / 

 The Fish and Wildlife Service adopted the new classification system on Sep- 

 tember 15, 1980. The Service is encouraging other agencies to use this system 

 and promote government-wide consistency, but no legal authorities require 

 Federal agencies to adopt it. 53 / Other Federal agencies involved in wetland 

 management are participating in the inventory, and are becoming familiar with 

 the new classification system. 54 / 



The new classification system is the first to include special modifiers 

 for two types of wetlands, those that are man-made, and natural ones that 

 have been modified by man. The modifiers, used alone or in combination, 

 include "excavated," "impounded," "diked," "partly drained," "farmed," and 

 "artificial." 55 / These modifiers allow the inventory to distinguish wetland 

 areas where significant modification has occurred and where values have been 

 altered. 



The inventory is being conducted using a complex remote sensing system 

 that transfers information from aerial photos onto map overlays. Products 

 include large-scale maps (1:24,000 or 1:62,500) and small-scale maps (1:100,000) 

 accompained by "notes to users." By January 1, 1980 the inventory had completed 

 206 small-scale maps, and an additional six were in production. In addition, 

 draft narratives had been completed for all 206 maps. At the same time, 189 



52 / Wilen and Nye, National Wetlands Inventory Project, p. 1848. 



53 / The Soil Conservation Service is using it on an interim basis for a 

 year. 



54 / Federal agencies supplying staff to assist in the Inventory activity 

 include the U.S. Geological Survey, the Soil Conservation Service, and the U.S. 

 Army Corps of Engineers. 



55/ U.S. Department of the Interior, Classification of Wetlands, p. 25-26. 



