2. To gather, analyze, and present information that will aid decisionmakers in the identification and resolution of problems associated with major land and water use changes.3. To provide better ecological information and evaluation for Department of the Interior development programs, such as those relating to energy development. Information developed by the Biological ServicesProgram is intended for use in the planning and decisionmaking process, to prevent or minimize the impact of development on fish and wildlife. Biological Services research activities and technical assistance services are based on an analysis of the issues, the decisionmakers involved and their information needs, and an evaluation of the state-ofthe-art to identify information gaps and determine priorities. This is a strategy to assure that the products produced and disseminated will be timely and useful. Biological Services projects have been initiated in the following areas:Coal extraction and conversion Power plants Geothermal, mineral, and oil shale development Water resource analysis, including stream alterations and western water allocation Coastal ecosystems and Outer Continental Shelf development Systems and inventory, including National Wetlands Inventory, habitat classification and analysis, and information transferThe Program consists of the Office of Biological Services in Washington, D.C., which is responsible for overall planning and management; National Teams which provide the Program's central, scientific, and technical expertise, and which arrange for contracting of Biological Services studies with States, universities, consulting firms, and others; Regional staff who provide a link to problems at the operating level; and staff at certain Fish and Wildlife Service research facilities who conduct inhouse research studies. ForewardWetlands and deepwater habitats are essential breeding, rearing, and feeding grounds for many species of fish and wildlife. They may also perform important flood protection and pollution control funtions. Increasing National and international recognition of these values has intensified the need for reliable information on the status and extent of wetland resources. To develop comparable information over large areas, a clear definition and classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats is required.The classification system contained in this report was developed by wetland ecologists, with the assistance of many private individuals and organizations and local, State, and Federal agencies. An operational draft was published in October 1977, and a notice of intent to adopt the system for all pertinent Service activities was published December 12, 1977 (42 FR 62432).The Fish and Wildlife Service is officially adopting this wetland classification system. Future wetland data bases developed by the Service, including the National Wetlands Inventory, will utilize this system. A one-year transition period will allow for training of Service personnel, amendment of administrative manuals, and further devel...

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In 1979 the US Fish and Wildlife Service published and adopted a classification of wetlands and deepwater habitats of the United States. The system was designed for use in a national inventory of wetlands. It was intended to be ecologically based, to furnish the mapping units needed for the inventory, and to provide national consistency in terminology and definition. We review the performance of the classification after 13 years of use. The definition of wetland is based on national lists of hydric soils and plants that occur in wetlands. Our experience suggests that wetland classifications must facilitate mapping and inventory because these data gathering functions are essential to management and preservation of the wetland resource, but the definitions and taxa must have ecological basis. The most serious problem faced in construction of the classification was lack of data for many of the diverse wetland types. Review of the performance of the classification suggests that, for the most part, it was successful in accomplishing its objectives, but that problem areas should be corrected and modification could strengthen its utility. The classification, at least in concept, could be applied outside the United States. Experience gained in use of the classification can furnish guidance as to pitfalls to be avoided in the wetland classification process.

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