Prepared by the department's Natural Resources Conservation Service, the report found an average annual net loss from all sources of 32,600 acres of wetlands from 1992 to 1997. The western half of the United States is nearing no net loss while the eastern part saw the largest wetlands loss. USDA's National Resources Inventory differs from Interior's Wetlands Status and Trends report in its legislative mandate and purpose, as well as time frame, scope, focus, and methodologies. The NRI provides information on the status and trends of soil, water, and related resources on privately owned lands on a national, regional, and state basis. The Wetlands Status and Trends report examined wetlands losses and gains on all lands on a national basis.
Wetlands are biologically diverse and dynamic ecosystems.
Found in every state, wetlands support diverse populations of fish, wildlife and plants, providing habitat for more than forty percent of the nations endangered and threatened species. The findings of the Department of Interior and Department of Agriculture reports reflect the culmination of more than a decade of progressive work and accomplishments in wetland conservation. Since 1993, federal agencies have adopted policies accentuating fair, flexible approaches to wetlands conservation and stewardship, placing strong emphasis on educating the public about wetland values, benefits, and the sustainable use of wetland resources. The data in the new reports indicate that policies and programs in the 1990s have helped slowdown wetland resource losses while increasing wetland restoration, creation, and enhancement.