Birds and other species that rely on wetlands for habitat enhance our daily relationship with the natural environment. Knowledge Gaps These data are based on permits to legally alter and fill in freshwater wetlands. Some wetlands are filled illegally while others slated for development with permits remain untouched. Many legally disturbed or filled wetlands are replaced with mitigated or man-made wetlands. Over time, mitigation is expected to produce additional functioning wetlands.
Studies are underway to assess the success and viability of mitigated wetlands.
There is a need for better ways to measure the net changes in wetlands acreage, the quality of existing wetlands, and the impacts of development near wetlands.