Wetlands are among the Nation's most important natural resources.
They are living filters that help purify our Nation's waters. These marshes, swamps, and bogs serve as primary water storage basins that help lower the magnitude and frequency of floods. Wetlands are also an important fish and wildlife habitat, with most of the Nation's fish, waterfowl, wading and shore birds being dependent on these areas. Information on our Nation's wetlands is used by resource managers and the public to make informed land use decisions. Decision makers need to know the general extent, location, and variety of wetlands to establish sound policies that ensure adequate protection of these valuable natural resources.