The structure of the new classification system progresses from systems and 
subsystems at the most general levels to more specific classes, subclasses, and 
dominance types. Special modifiers such as water-regimes and water chemistry 
can also be incorporated. Waterfowl habitat in Illinois will be classified 
entirely within 3 systems: Riverine, Lacustrine, and Pa!ustrine--most will fall 
in the last 2. 
The new system is not only more flexible and accurate than the older system, 
but its products can be more easily applied to legislative and regulatory 
actions. In particular, Section kO 1 * of the Clean Water Act of 1977 as amended 
identifies categories of wetlands subject to regulatory programs and permit 
requirements. Other significant laws to which inventory data may be applied 
include the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 193-4 as amended, the 
Endangered Species Acts of 1966 and 1969, and the National Environmental Policy 
Act of 1969. 
Next month we will discuss how some of our existing data may be used to 
classify wetlands under the new system. 
