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<DIV STYLE="text-align:Left;"><DIV><DIV><P><SPAN>This data set represents the extent, approximate location and type of wetlands and deepwater habitats in the United States and its Territories.</SPAN></P><P><SPAN>These data delineate the areal extent of wetlands and surface waters as defined by Cowardin et al. (1979).</SPAN></P><P><SPAN>Certain wetland habitats are excluded from the National mapping program because of the limitations of aerial imagery as the primary data source used to detect wetlands.</SPAN></P><P><SPAN>These habitats include seagrasses or submerged aquatic vegetation that are found in the intertidal and subtidal zones of estuaries and near shore coastal waters.</SPAN></P><P><SPAN>Some deepwater reef communities (coral or tuberficid worm reefs) have also been excluded from the inventory.</SPAN></P><P><SPAN>These habitats, because of their depth, go undetected by aerial imagery.</SPAN></P><P><SPAN>By policy, the Service also excludes certain types of "farmed wetlands" as may be defined by the Food Security Act or that do not coincide with the Cowardin et al. definition.</SPAN></P><P><SPAN>Contact the Service's Regional Wetland Coordinator for additional information on what types of farmed wetlands are included on wetland maps.</SPAN></P><P><SPAN /></P></DIV></DIV></DIV> |