Wetlands Protection and Restoration

America's Wetlands
Wetlands are areas where water covers soil all or part of the time. Wetlands are important because they protect and improve water quality, provide fish and wildlife habitats, store floodwaters and maintain surface water flow during dry periods.

Other Wetlands Related Websites:

Regulations Affecting Wetlands

Geographic Jurisdiction (Waters of the U.S.)

National Wetland Condition Assessment

Wetlands Protection and Restoration

Learn About Wetlands

What is a Wetland?
- Types of Wetlands
What are the Functions of Wetland?
Why are Wetlands Important?
Wetlands Materials for Students and Teachers
American Wetlands Month
Coastal Wetlands

The Science of Wetlands

Wetland Monitoring and Assessment
Wetland Water Quality Standards
Volunteer Monitoring to Protect Wetlands
Status and Trends of Wetlands in the US
Constructed Wetlands

States and Tribal Governments

A group of four Native Americans participating in a ceremony

What is the Enhancing State and Tribal Programs Effort?
Developing a Wetland Program Plan
State, Tribal, and Local Wetland Protection Resources
Excellence in Wetland Programs

Related Programs

Great Lakes
Gulf of Mexico
Chesapeake Bay
National Estuary Program
San Francisco Bay Delta Watershed

Wetland Restoration

What is Wetland Restoration?
Principles of Wetland Restoration
Watershed Approach to Protect and Restore Wetlands
Voluntary Wetland Restoration

Funding for Wetlands

What Financial Assistance is Available for Wetland Protection and Restoration?
Wetland Program Development Grants
How do I Apply for an EPA Grant?

Key Information

Regional Contacts
Corps Contacts
Association of State Wetland Managers Exit
Association of Clean Water Act Administrators Exit
Wetland Factsheet Series

Wetland News

EPA launches new website providing increased transparency regarding Clean Water Act jurisdictional determinations.

Funding Opportunity: Five Star & Urban Waters Restoration Grants
The Five Star and Urban Waters Restoration Program seeks to develop nation-wide-community stewardship of local natural resources, preserving these resources for future generations and enhancing habitat for local wildlife. Projects seek to address water quality issues in priority watersheds, such as erosion due to unstable streambanks, pollution from stormwater runoff, and degraded shorelines caused by development.

Proposals due by January 31, 2017 by 11:59 p.m. ET.

For more information go to: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

EPA features exemplary state and tribal wetland projects to highlight effective approaches for protecting and restoring wetlands.

Click to see past wetland news that has been archived.