The national goal of no net wetlands losses still has not been met, however. The study shows that between 1986 and 1997, forested wetlands and freshwater emergent wetlands continued to show the most losses. USDA's National Resources Inventory, a report on the health of America's private lands, also shows significant reduction in wetland losses. 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.
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. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting, and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.