The National Wetlands Inventory Program

disclaimer icon The National Wetlands Inventory Program (NWI) has been producing wetland maps and geospatial wetland data for the United States since the mid-1970s. The focus on the program has been on two fronts: 1) map or digital database preparation and delivery to the public, and 2) projecting and reporting on national wetland trends using a probability-based sampling design. The status of mapping has been made available through various media throughout the program's 30-year history (e.g., state atlases, regional status maps, and now through the internet via the Wetlands Mapper online tool).

Regional Wetlands Coordinators are located in each of the Service's regions. The National Standards and Support Team is located in Madison, WI, and is the home of theWetands Geodatabase as well as staff providing science and support for all geospatial applications of wetlands data. The Wetlands Mapper serves as the data discovery mechanism and is managed incooperation with the U.S. Geological Survey in Madison, WI.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is the principal Federal agency that provides information to the public on the extent and status of the Nation's wetlands. The agency has developed a series of topical maps to show wetlands and deepwater habitats. This geospatial information is used by Federal, State, and local agencies, academic institutions, and private industry for management, research, policy development, education and planning activities. Digital data can be viewed and downloads are available through the Wetlands Mapper.

The Fish and Wildlife Service is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, and responsibility for the geospatial wetlands data falls to the Division of Habitat and Resource Conservation.

NWI Program Overview

The National Wetlands Inventory (NWI) Program was established by the US Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) in 1974 to conduct a nationwide inventory of U.S. wetlands to provide its biologists and others with information on the distribution of wetlands to aid in wetland conservation efforts.

Click here to view the Program Overview

NWI Staff Directory Regional Wetlands Coordinators: Contacts & Websites	U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Branch of Resource and Mapping Support 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Room 830 Arlington, VA 22203 Phone: 703-358-2161 Fax: 703-358-1869
	U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Standards and Support Team 505 Science Drive Madison, WI 53711-1060