Preface 



Since its publication in 1979, Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States has been used 

 in the National inventory of wetlands conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The system has been widely 

 used throughout the United States and is often cited in the scientific literature. There has also been considerable 

 international interest in use of the classification. 



Copies from the first printing have been expended and demand requires this reprinting. We have taken this oppor- 

 tunity to correct a number of minor typographical errors, bring plant names into conformity with the National List 

 of Scientific Plant Names (U.S. Dept. Agriculture 1982), and to upgrade the quality of plates as well as furnish addi- 

 tional plates. No changes have been made that either alter the structure of the classification or the meaning of the 

 definitions. Such major revisions must be deferred until certain prerequisite tasks are accomplished. 



Completion of the list of hydrophytes and other plants occurring in wetlands and the list of hydric soils (see page 

 3) has been a task of far greater complexity than we envisioned when writing the classification. These lists have 

 received extensive review and are being prepared as computer data bases. In addition, the lists will contain a great 

 deal of ancillary information that will make possible the development of methodologies for their use in both the delinea- 

 tion and classification of wetlands. When the lists and methodologies are completed, reviewed, and tested we will 

 revise the classification and use the lists to add precision to the definitions. At the same time, we will address specific 

 technical problems that have arisen during application of the classification. 



The plates at the end of this publication are included primarily to illustrate a variety of examples of wetland classifica- 

 tion. We have attempted to include photographs from various regions of the country insofar as possible; however, 

 final selection of plates was based on the availability of both high-quality photographs and the detailed field data 

 required for accurate classification. While on sabbatical leave from the University of Rhode Island in 1985, Dr. Frank 

 Golet took numerous photographs of Alaskan wetlands. Addition of many of these and several photographs from 

 other regions helps somewhat to correct a regional imbalance. 



We acknowledge the assistance of Dr. J. Henry Sather who served as editor for the reprinting. He spent many 

 hours compiling minor errors and inconsistencies and preparing final copy for the printer. We thank Mr. Jon Hall, 

 National Wetlands Inventory Coordinator for the Alaska region, for his assistance to Dr. Golet during his stay in Alaska. 



Lewis M. Cowardin 

 Virginia Carter 

 Francis C. Golet 

 Edward T. LaRoe 



September 24, 1985 



