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THE WILDLIFE SOCIETY 



5410 Grosvsnor Lene • Bsthesda, MD 20814-2197 

 Tel: (301) 897-9770 • Fax: (301) S30-2471 



27 September 1993 



The Honorable Gerry E. Studda, Chairman 

 Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee 

 Subcommittee on Environment and Natural Resources 

 U.S. House of Representatives 

 237 Cannon House Office Building 

 Washington, DC 20515-2110 



Dear Mr. Chairman: 



The Wildlife Society assembled a Wetlands Technical Committee to 

 prepare the attached draft report, MITIGATION BANKING AND 

 WETLANDS CATEGORIZATION; The Need for a National Policy on 

 Wetlands , for your consideration in addressing wetlands 

 conservation in the Clean Water Act. The wildlife Society is the 

 scientific and educational association of wildlife professionals 

 dedicated to excellence in wildlife stewardship through science 

 and education. 



The Technical Committee consists of experts on wetlands from 

 federal and state government agencies, academia, conservation 

 organizations, industry, and private consulting. This diverse 

 panel of professionals has developed this paper using the best 

 biological information available on the key issues of MITIGATION 

 BANKING and WETLANDS CATEGORIZATION. 



The Society urges you to consider a NET GAIN or NET RECOVERY of 

 wetlands policy in recognition of the enormous historical losses 

 and the importance and array of wetland functions and their 

 inherent values to society. 



We would be pleased to meet with you and/or participate in 

 hearings related to wetlands conservation. Please enter this 

 draft Technical Committee report in the official record of the 28 

 September hearing on this subject. The Wildlife Society Council 

 is considering the panel report for adoption, and we will provide 

 you a copy of the final document when it becomes available. 



Thank you for your consideration. 



Sincerely, 



Thomas M. Franklin 

 Wildlife Policy Director 



