NWI wetland and deepwater classifications provide critical information when determining existing or potential habitat for many species. This information is vital for developing wildlife habitat management and conservation and recovery plans through modeling and other procedures. NWI data have been used to estimate habitat accessibility in migration corridors, waterfowl populations, species recovery potential and more.
NWI data have been used to investigate site suitability for renewable and traditional energy projects. The data are not only used to help select potential sites, but also to help understand how these activities might affect local species and to help to mitigate those effects.
Wetlands provide a multitude of ecologic and societal benefits. They not only provide habitat for fish and wildlife, but also reduce flooding, recharge groundwater, maintain stream flow and help improve water quality. Access to clean, abundant water supports opportunities for hunting, fishing and other types of recreation. Federal, state and local agencies use NWI data when assessing the health of their watersheds and water supply.
An important role of the Service is to conserve fish and wildlife species to ensure sustainable populations for future generations. Species diversity is vital to the health and sustainability of ecosystems that in turn benefit local communities and economies. NWI data have been applied to various wetland dependent species assessment and recovery efforts.
NWI data are an important resource for the development of climate impact assessments, as well as adaptation and mitigation plans. Sea-level rise poses a risk to coastal communities and infrastructure, as well as many Service refuges. Precipitation changes also pose threats to our inland wetlands that could cause impacts to waterfowl and other wildlife populations, as well as agriculture, food security and biofuel development. Additionally, NWI data have been used to help quantify carbon sequestration rates and carbon balance in relation to ecosystem management and restoration actions.
An invasive species invasive species An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species is any plant, or animal that is not native to a specific location and whose introduction to that site causes or is likely to cause harm. These species can have damaging effects on the environment, economy and human health. NWI data have been used to assess the susceptibility of certain ecosystems to invasive species and how those species may affect local populations.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal federal agency tasked with providing information to the public on the extent and status of the nation’s wetland and deepwater habitats, as well as changes to these habitats over time.
