CRS-114 



and inventory systems are not specific enough to be of high value in State and 

 local programs. Part of this problem stems from variations in the legal def- 

 inition of wetlands. For example, in Connecticut the State defines coastal 

 wetlands and inland wetlands in two different ways, and neither conforms to 

 the definition used by the Corps of Engineers or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife 

 Service. 161/ The States need maps that accurately delineate boundaries to use 

 for making specific decisions. The Massachusetts respondent saw the Federal 

 maps from the current Fish and Wildlife Service inventory as a planning tool, 

 while State maps needed to make decisions are almost survey maps. A line on 

 Federal inventory map marking a wetland boundary would be 100 feet or more 

 wide and is of little value if transferred directly to the ground. For 

 example, in his State, maps at 1:600 are used in coastal areas and indicator 

 plant species are used to locate inland areas. Some States, such as Minnesota, 

 require their own inventory. The Utah respondent stated that the inventory 

 products would be far more useful if the State could participate in the des- 

 ignation process, along with the Federal agencies, so that future programs 

 would agree on the general location and boundaries of wetland areas - 



The regulatory process was the subject of another set of comments. Some 

 managers felt that there were problems between the State and Federal programs. 

 Not surprisingly, these concerns were most strongly expressed by representa- 

 tives of States with the most sophisticated programs. The duplication of the 

 permit process was specifically mentioned by managers from Louisiana, Connecti- 

 cut, and Massachusetts. Duplicative programs translate into more work for the 

 applicant, often for no apparent reason. In all three States, the State is 



161/ Connecticut defines coastal wetlands by high water elevation and 

 vegetation type. Inland wetlands are defined by soil types that are poorly 

 drained, alluvial, or in the floodplain. 



