9.1.3.13. Taxonomic File 
The Taxonomic File is a database, under development, based on the NOAA National 
Oceanographic Data Center (NODC) taxonomic codes. 
9.1.3.14. Gateway/ENVIROFACTS Information Management System 
This relational data management system encompasses several other EPA databases. It has been 
pilot tested in the Great Lakes and in southeastern Virginia, and a proposal for a South Florida 
information system is in preparation by EPA's Office of Information Resources Management. 
9.1.3.15. Research and development 
EPA's Office of Research and Development is preparing proposals involving remote sensing as 
applied to Florida Bay issues in coordination with the EPA Office of Water. 
9.1.3.16. Spatial Data Clearinghouse 
EPA's Spatial Data Clearinghouse provides access to various types of spatial data in ARC/INFO 
export format. These data enable users of perform analytical functions through the use of a 
geographic information system. Many systems and tools being built by EPA will utilize the data 
in the Clearinghouse. 
9.1.4. US Fish and Wildlife Service 
9.1.4.1. National Wetlands Inventory 
The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) of the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) develops and 
disseminates biologically sound scientific information on the characteristics and extent of the 
Nation's wetland resources. Data are supplied to policy makers, planners, land managers, and 
the public for the purpose of making informed decisions affecting the wise use and management 
of wetland resources. To accomplish this, two types of information are gathered: (1) detailed 
wetlands maps, and (2) status and trends reports. NWI has produced wetlands maps for the 
entire state of Florida at the scale of 1:24,000 using NAPP photography. Wetlands maps 
portray point, line, and area features overlaid on a USGS 7.5-min topographic map. All wetland 
features discernible by the photointerpreter are delineated. Wetlands are classified using the 
Cowardin wetlands classification system and delineated using protocols and conventions 
developed by NWI. NWI also compiles information on the status and trends of the Nation's 
wetlands. These comprehensive data are prepared as a Report to Congress on a 10-yr cycle. 
The most current report covers wetlands status and trends through the mid-1980's. NWI has 
developed the following collateral data sources to assist in the mapping of wetlands nation¬ 
wide: National List of Plant Species That Occur in Wetlands (currently contains over 6,600 
plant species); Hvdric Soils of the United States (with Soil Conservation Service); conventions 
for photointerpretation, cartographic design, and digitizing; and a wetlands values database 
comprising over 15,000 bibliographic records describing functions and values of wetlands.^ 
9.1.4.2. Wetland Status and Trends 
The NWI Wetland Status and Trends, a wetland status and trends study, is responsible for 
monitoring the current status and recent trends in wetland acreage for the Nation. The 
overriding objective of this study is to produce comprehensive statistically valid acreage 
estimates of the Nation's wetlands. There are three components to the status and trends 
* D. Woodard, NWI, 9720 Executive Center Drive, Suite 101, Monroe Building, St. Petersburg, Florida 33702. 813 570-5412. 
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