Preface iv 



of 1977, as amended, Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, Watershed 

 Protection and Flood Prevention Act of 1954, as amended, Coastal Barrier 

 Resources Act of 1982, Federal Power Act, as amended. Food Security Act 

 of 1985, Emergency Wetlands Resources Act of 1986, and Executive Orders 

 11990 and 11988 on Protection of Wetlands and Floodplain Management, 

 respectively. 



State and local governments are encouraged to educate the public about 

 wetland values and services and establish a policy designed to encourage 

 conservation and enhancement of wetlands. A wetland policy would 

 promote sound thinking and planning on the part of private entities and 

 those charged with protecting public resources. 



In recognition of the important values associated with wetlands, 

 including significant economic benefits. State and local governments 

 also may offer tax incentives, such as preferential property tax assess- 

 ments or special tax deductions, to landowners who protect their wetlands 

 through deed restrictions or conservation easements. Donation of wet- 

 lands to conservation organizations or governmental entities also may 

 qualify landowners for substantial tax benefits. Or, individuals could 

 contribute dollars to non-profit organizations so that their resources could 

 be pooled for wetland protection or purchase. 



State and local entities may want to evaluate existing programs to ensure 

 that they are not promoting wetland losses, through such programs as tax 

 deductions for wetland drainage or funding for economic development 

 projects located in wetlands. 



The full spectrum of wetland protection options not requiring acquisition 

 of lands should be cooperatively evaluated by the private sector and local, 

 State and Federal governments before considering land acquisition as the 

 ultimate solution to wetland protection. Acquisition of an interest in wet- 

 lands is an important, but costly, option for protecting wetlands. And, 

 even with full public control over the land, it may not guarantee absolute 

 protection to the wetland. The present Administration's policy focuses on 

 protecting our Nation's wetlands through measures that do not require use 

 of appropriated funds for fee title acquisition of lands. 



Technical assistance and educational materials are available from 

 Federal and State agencies and national conservation groups to assist in 

 this effort. 



In 1986, the Emergency Wetlands Resources Act was enacted to promote 

 the conservation of our Nation's wetlands by intensifying cooperative 

 efforts among private interests and local. State and Federal governments 

 for the conservation, management and/or acquisition of wetlands. 

 Among a number of provisions in this Act designed to protect wetlands of 

 the United States, section 301 requires the Secretary of the Interior to 

 establish a National Wetlands Priority Conservation Plan to assist 

 decisionmakers in identifying the types and locations of wetlands, and 



