Classification System: WETLANDS AND DEEPWATER HABITATS OF THE UNITED STATES
You are invited to read the definitions of terms used in this data standard.
Name |
Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States |
Description |
The Service's definition and classification system provides standardization of concepts and terms used to describe the biological limit of wetland types found in the United States, and is used nationwide by many Federal, State, and local agencies as part of the management of their wetland resources. |
Reference(s) |
Part 270, FW 6, Data Management and Standards, dated September 30, 2002. Part 660, FW 2, Wetlands Classification System, dated June 21, 1993. Federal Geographic Data Committee Formally Adopts Wetlands Classification Standard, December 17, 1996. Adoption of the Federal Standard for Wetlands Classification, August 4, 1997. "Classification of Wetlands and Deepwater Habitats of the United States" by L.M. Cowardin, V. Carter, F.C. Golet, and E.T. LaRoe, which was published by the Service in 1979 (FWS/OBS-79/31, 131pp.). |
Use Instructions |
Service personnel will use the Service's wetlands definition and classification system to describe wetland resources. |
Phase |
Adopted |
Approval Date |
September 15, 1980 |
Validation Date |
January 3, 2005 |
Data Steward |
Thomas H. Dahl, Division of Habitat and Resource Conservation, Branch of Resource Habitat and Mapping Support |